Electric apparatus with cover for opening/closing receptacle containing module

ABSTRACT

A portable apparatus comprises a box-shaped housing body. The housing body includes a lower housing and an upper housing coupled to the lower housing. The upper housing includes a component attachment portion opened upward. A functional component such as a speaker is removably supported on the component attachment portion of the upper housing. A top cover is removably supported on the housing body. The top cover covers the component attachment portion and the functional component supported on the component attachment portion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a portable apparatus such as abook-type portable computer, and more particularly to a structure havinga housing containing a functional component such as a speaker.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] In the field of conventional portable computers dealing mainlywith character information and graphic information, there is a tendencythat such portable computers should be applied to multimedia whereinmoving pictures, sounds, etc. are integrated. The amount of dataprocessed in multimedia is much greater than that of data processed whencharacter information alone is used. It is thus necessary to record databy using a large-capacity optical disk. To meet the demand, portablecomputers have been marketed, which comprise CD-ROM drives for readingout data from optical disks.

[0005] This type of portable computer includes a box-shaped housing bodyand a display unit supported by the housing body. The CD-ROM driver iscontained within the housing body. The portable computer including theCD-ROM drive is provided with various functional parts, e.g. aloudspeaker outputting a sound and a volume switch for controlling thevolume of sound. These functional parts are contained within the housingbody.

[0006] In the conventional portable computer, the housing body comprisesa lower housing and an upper housing coupled to the lower housing. Thelower housing supports the CD-ROM drive and functional parts. Thus,after the CD-ROM drive and functional parts are built in the lowerhousing, the upper housing is removably coupled to the lower housing.The CD-ROM drive and functional parts are covered by the upper housing.

[0007] In the field of computers having CD-ROM drives, there is a demandthat the built-in loudspeaker be replaced with one having higherquality. Besides, the contact of the volume switch for controlling thesound volume may be deteriorated with the passing of use time of thecomputer. Thus, the frequency of replacement of functional parts such asthe loudspeaker and volume switch is relatively higher than that of theCD-ROM drive or other circuit elements contained within the housingbody.

[0008] In the conventional computer, however, the functional parts suchas a loudspeaker and a volume switch are contained within the housingbody along with the CD-ROM drive and other circuit elements. When suchfunctional parts need to be replaced or maintained, it is necessary todisassembling the entire housing body by removing the upper housing fromthe lower housing. Consequently, a great deal of time and labor isneeded for replacement and maintenance of the functional parts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a portableapparatus with high workability capable of easily replacing ormaintaining a functional component, without disassembling a housingbody.

[0010] Another object of the invention is to provide a portableapparatus capable of having such an external appearance that first andsecond speakers are arranged symmetrically with respect to a center lineof a housing body.

[0011] In order to achieve the above objects, there is provided aportable apparatus comprising:

[0012] a box-shaped housing body including a lower housing and an upperhousing coupled to said lower housing, said upper housing including acomponent attachment portion opened upward;

[0013] a functional component removably supported on said componentattachment portion of said upper housing; and

[0014] a top cover removably supported on said housing body, said topcover covering the component attachment portion and the functionalcomponent supported on said component attachment portion.

[0015] According to this structure, the functional component issupported on the component attachment portion of the upper housing. Thefunctional component is situated on an upper part of the housing bodyand not in a deep region of the housing body. Since the functionalcomponent supported on the component attachment portion is covered bythe removable top cover, the top cover is removed from the housing bodyand the functional component is exposed to the upper part of the housingbody when the functional component is replaced or maintained. Thereby,there is no need to perform time-consuming works such as disassemblingthe housing body at each time of replacing or maintaining the functionalcomponent.

[0016] According to this invention, there is also provided a portableapparatus comprising:

[0017] a box-shaped housing body including a lower housing having abottom wall and a rear wall continuous with the bottom wall, and anupper housing coupled to the lower housing, said upper housing includinga component attachment portion opened upward;

[0018] a functional component removably supported on said componentattachment portion of said housing body;

[0019] a display unit having a support portion extending toward thecomponent attachment portion of said housing body;

[0020] hinge means for rotatably supporting the display unit on saidhousing body, said hinge means being situated adjacent to said componentattachment portion; and

[0021] a top cover removably attached to said housing body, said topcover covering the component attachment portion and the functionalcomponent supported on said component attachment portion,

[0022] wherein said component attachment portion of the housing bodyincludes a cover portion covering the support portion of the displayunit from below, and being continuous with the rear wall of the lowerhousing, and

[0023] said top cover includes a hinge cover portion covering the hingemeans, said hinge cover portion being continuous with said cover portionwhen said top cover is attached to said housing body.

[0024] According to this structure, the functional component issupported on the component attachment portion of the upper housing. Thefunctional component is situated on an upper part of the housing bodyand not in a deep region of the housing body. Since the functionalcomponent supported on the component attachment portion is covered bythe removable top cover, the top cover is removed from the housing bodyand the functional component is exposed to the upper part of the housingbody when the functional component is replaced or maintained. Thereby,there is no need to perform time-consuming works such as disassemblingthe housing body at each time of replacing or maintaining the functionalcomponent.

[0025] In addition, the cover portion of the component attachmentportion extends below the leg portion of the display unit and iscontinuous with the rear wall of the lower housing. In the state inwhich the component attachment portion is covered by the top cover, thehinge means can be covered by the hinge cover portion of the top coverand the cover portion. Thus, there is no need to provide anexclusive-use cover for covering the hinge means, and the number ofstructural parts can be reduced. In addition, since the cover portion isintegrated with the component attachment portion, the cover portion canbe exactly positioned in relation to the support portion and top cover.

[0026] According to this invention, there is also provided a portableapparatus comprising:

[0027] a box-shaped housing body having an upper wall, said upper wallof the housing body having a component attachment portion opened upward;

[0028] first and second speakers removably supported on said componentattachment portion of the housing body, said speakers being arranged onboth sides of a center line extending in the depth direction of thehousing body through the center of the housing body in the widthdirection, and a distance between said first speaker and said centerline being different from a distance between said second speaker andsaid center line; and

[0029] a top cover removably supported on said housing body, said topcover covering the component attachment portion and the first and secondspeakers;

[0030] wherein said top cover includes a panel having a pair of holesfacing said first and second speakers, and first and second speakercovers attached to the panel and covering said holes, each of said firstand second speaker covers having a shape greater than an opening shapeof each of said holes and extending in the width direction of saidhousing body, and a distance between said first speaker cover and saidcenter line being equal to a distance between said second speaker coverand said center line.

[0031] According to this structure, if the top cover is removed from thehousing body, the first and second speakers are exposed to the upperside of the housing body. Thus, there is no need to disassemble theentire housing at each time of replacing or maintaining the speakers,and the workability is enhanced.

[0032] In addition, since the speaker covers covering the first andsecond speakers are arranged symmetrical with respect to the center lineof the housing body, the speakers may be apparently viewed to bearranged symmetrical with respect to the center line although thespeakers are actually arranged asymmetrical.

[0033] According to this invention, there is also provided a portableapparatus comprising:

[0034] a box-shaped housing body including a lower housing and an upperhousing coupled to said lower housing, said upper housing including acomponent attachment portion opened upward and a keyboard attachmentportion;

[0035] a keyboard mounted on said keyboard attachment portion;

[0036] a functional component removably supported on said componentattachment portion; and

[0037] a top cover removably supported on said housing body, said topcover covering the component attachment portion and the functionalcomponent supported on said component attachment portion.

[0038] According to this structure, the functional component is situatedon the upper part of the housing body, and not in a deep region of thehousing body. The top cover is removed and the functional component isexposed to the upper side of the housing body when the functionalcomponent is replaced or maintained. Thereby, there is no need todisassemble the housing body at each time of replacing or maintainingthe functional component, and the workability is enhanced.

[0039] Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be setforth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious fromthe description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Theobjects and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained bymeans of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed outin the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in andconstitute a part of the specification, illustrate a presently preferredembodiment of the invention and, together with the general descriptiongiven above and the detailed description of the preferred embodimentgiven below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0041]FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a portable computer accordingto the present invention;

[0042]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the portable computer, showing thebottom side of a housing body thereof;

[0043]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the portable computer, showing thestate in which a front cover is rotated to a second position and abattery pack is drawn out of a battery storage section;

[0044]FIG. 4 is a front view of the housing body, showing the state inwhich the front cover is rotated to a first position;

[0045]FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of the battery storage sectionof the housing body;

[0046]FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of a region A in FIG. 5A;

[0047]FIG. 6 is a side view of the battery pack;

[0048]FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack;

[0049]FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the state in which a frame ismounted on a lower housing;

[0050]FIG. 9 is a plan view of the lower housing, showing the state inwhich the front cover is rotated to the first position;

[0051]FIG. 10 is a front view of the lower housing, showing the state inwhich the front cover is rotated to the second position;

[0052]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the battery storage section inwhich an auxiliary battery and a clock battery are mounted;

[0053]FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the relationship between thebattery storage section and a reinforcement portion of the frame in anexploded manner;

[0054]FIG. 13 is a rear view of the portable computer;

[0055]FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the portable computer,showing a loudspeaker attachment portion;

[0056]FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the relationship betweena second connector cover and a stopper;

[0057]FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the portable computer showing thestate in which the second connector cover is opened;

[0058]FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the portable computer,showing a TCP mounting portion and a second icon attachment portion;

[0059]FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the portable computer,showing an extension area of the housing body and the loudspeakerattachment portion;

[0060]FIG. 19A is a perspective view of the portable computer, showingan attachment portion for a cover unit;

[0061]FIG. 19B is a perspective view of the portable computer, showingin an exploded manner the state in which the cover unit is removed fromthe housing body;

[0062]FIG. 20 is a side view of the portable computer, showing anattachment portion for a connector cover;

[0063]FIG. 21A is a cross-sectional view of the housing body, showingthe attachment portion for the connector cover;

[0064]FIG. 21B is a cross-sectional view of the housing body, showingthe state in which the connector cover is slid to a closed position;

[0065]FIG. 21C is a cross-sectional view of the housing body, showingthe state in which the connector cover is slid to an open position;

[0066]FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing in an exploded manner thestate in which first and second relay connectors are removed from theframe;

[0067]FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing the state in which a CD-ROMdrive and a floppy disk drive are removed from a pack storage section ofthe housing body;

[0068]FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the CD-ROM drive;

[0069]FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing in an exploded manner thestate in which a connector hold frame, a connector holder and an outercover are removed from a cabinet of the CD-ROM drive;

[0070]FIG. 26 is a plan view of the CD-ROM drive, showing an attachmentportion for an interface connector in cross section;

[0071]FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the floppy disk drive;

[0072]FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the floppy disk drive, showingthe attachment portion for the interface connector in an explodedmanner;

[0073]FIG. 29A is a cross-sectional view of the floppy disk drive;

[0074]FIG. 29B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the attachmentportion of the interface connector;

[0075]FIG. 30A is a cross-sectional view of a front half portion of theportable computer;

[0076]FIG. 30B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an attachmentportion for a first icon;

[0077]FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which thefront cover is rotated to the second position and a hard disk drive isdrawn out;

[0078]FIG. 32 is a front view of the lower housing, showing the state inwhich the front cover is rotated to the second position;

[0079]FIG. 33A is a front view of the lower housing, showing the statein which the front cover is slid to a locked position;

[0080]FIG. 33B is a front view of the lower housing, showing the statein which the front cover is slid to an unlocked position;

[0081]FIG. 34A is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which afirst engaging projection is hooked on the lower housing;

[0082]FIG. 34B is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which thefirst engaging projection is unhooked from the lower housing;

[0083]FIG. 35A is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which asecond engaging projection is hooked in an engaging hole in the frame;

[0084]FIG. 35B is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which thesecond engaging projection is unhooked from the engaging hole in theframe;

[0085]FIG. 36A is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which athird engaging projection is hooked in an engaging hole in the frame;

[0086]FIG. 36B is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which thethird engaging projection is unhooked from the engaging hole in theframe;

[0087]FIG. 37 is a perspective view showing the relationship between apushing projection of the front cover and a stopper;

[0088]FIG. 38A is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which thefront cover is rotated to the second position and the pushing projectionis disengaged from the stopper;

[0089]FIG. 38B is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which thefront cover is rotated to the first position and the pushing projectionpushes up the stopper;

[0090]FIG. 38C is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which thefront cover is slid to the locked position;

[0091]FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which anejector is covered by the front cover rotated to the first position;

[0092]FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which thefront cover is rotated to the second position and the CD-ROM drive ispulled out by the ejector;

[0093]FIG. 41 is a plan view showing the positional relationship betweenthe CD-ROM drive and the ejector;

[0094]FIG. 42 is a rear view showing the state in which a display unitis attached to a component attachment portion of the upper housing;

[0095]FIG. 43A is a left-hand side view showing the state in which thedisplay unit is attached to the component attachment portion of theupper housing;

[0096]FIG. 43B is a right-hand side view showing the state in which thedisplay unit is attached to the component attachment portion of theupper housing;

[0097]FIG. 44 is a perspective view of the portable computer, showingthe state in which a top cover is removed from the component attachmentportion of the upper housing;

[0098]FIG. 45 is a perspective view showing a coupling portion between afirst leg portion of the display unit and the component attachmentportion;

[0099]FIG. 46 is a perspective view showing a coupling portion between asecond leg portion of the display unit and the component attachmentportion;

[0100]FIG. 47 is a cross-sectional view of the portable computer,showing the state in which the top cover is removed from the componentattachment portion of the upper housing;

[0101]FIG. 48 is a cross-sectional view of a region corresponding to thecomponent attachment portion of the housing body;

[0102]FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional view of a region corresponding to thecomponent attachment portion of the housing body;

[0103]FIG. 50 is a perspective view showing in an exploded manner thestate in which a volume dial is removed from a volume switch;

[0104]FIG. 51 is a perspective view of the volume dial;

[0105]FIG. 52 is a cross-sectional view showing the relationship betweenthe volume dial and a panel of the top cover;

[0106]FIG. 53 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 53-53 in FIG.52;

[0107]FIG. 54A is a cross-sectional view showing the relationshipbetween the panel of the top cover and a loudspeaker cover; and

[0108]FIG. 54B is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which theloudspeaker cover is attached to the panel of the top cover.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0109] An embodiment of the present invention, which is applied to aportable computer, will now be described with reference to theaccompanying drawings.

[0110]FIG. 1 shows a book-type portable computer 1 of “A4” size. Thecomputer 1 comprises a housing body 2 of a synthetic resin and a displayunit 3 supported on the housing body 2. The housing body 2 comprises alower housing 5 opening upward and an upper housing 6 detachably coupledto an upper end portion of the lower housing 5. As is shown in FIGS. 2and 8, the lower housing 5 has a flat bottom wall 5 a, side walls 5 band 5 c, and a rear wall 5 d. The side walls 5 b and 5 c and rear wall 5d extend upward from a peripheral portion of the bottom wall 5 a.

[0111] The upper housing 6 has a plate shape and includes asubstantially flat upper wall 6 a. The upper wall 6 a faces the bottomwall 5 a of the lower housing 5. Side edge portions of the upper wall 6a are continuous with the upper end portions of the side walls 5 b and 5c of lower housing 5. Thus, the housing body 2 has a flat rectangularbox-like shape with an opening on the front side.

[0112] As is shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5A, the lower housing 5 has abattery storage section 8. The battery storage section 8 is formed as arecess opening to the bottom wall 5 a. The battery storage section 8extends in the depth direction of the lower housing 5 in a left-handregion of the lower housing 5. The battery storage section 8 has aninsertion hole 9 opening to the front side of the lower housing 5.

[0113] The battery storage section 8, as shown in FIG. 5A, is defined bya pair of upright walls 10 a and 10 b extending in the depth directionof the lower housing 5, and a ceiling wall 11 connecting the upper endportions of the upright walls 10 a and 10 b. The upright walls 10 a and10 b are spaced apart from each other in the width direction of thehousing body 2. The upright walls 10 a and 10 b extend upward from thebottom wall 5 a and project within the lower housing 5. The ceiling wall11 is horizontally situated at an upwardly opening end of the lowerhousing 5 in parallel to the bottom wall 5 a. The upright walls 10 a and10 b have mutually facing inner surfaces. A guide recess 12 is formed inthe inner surface of one of the upright walls, i.e. upright wall 10 a. Aguide rail 13 is formed on a lower part of the inner surface of theother upright wall 10 b. The guide recess 12 and guide rail 13 extend inthe depth direction of the lower housing 5. In addition, as shown inFIG. 14, a connector lead-out port 14 opens at a terminal end portion ofthe battery storage section 8. The connector lead-out port 14communicates with the inside of the lower housing 5.

[0114] As is shown in FIG. 3, a battery pack 16 is removably mounted inthe battery storage section 8. The battery pack 16 serves as a drivepower supply for the computer 1 when the computer 1 is used at a placewhere no commercial power supply is available. As is shown in FIGS. 6and 7, the battery pack 16 comprises a battery case 17 of a syntheticresin and a plurality of secondary batteries 18 contained in the batterycase 17.

[0115] The battery case 17 has a rectangular box shape having alongitudinal axis X1 extending in the depth direction of the lowerhousing 5 and a transverse axis X2 extending in the width direction ofthe lower housing 5. The battery case 17 is removably inserted into thebattery storage section 8 via the insertion hole 9. The battery case 17has such a size that it can be fitted in the battery storage section 8.Each secondary battery 18 has a cylindrical shape extending in thedirection of the transverse axis X2 of the battery case 17. Thesecondary batteries 18 are arranged in the direction of the longitudinalaxis X1 of the battery case 17. Each secondary battery 18 has a firstend provided with a positive terminal 18 a and a second end providedwith a negative terminal 18 b. The secondary batteries 18 are containedwithin the battery case 17 such that their positive terminals 18 a andnegative terminals 18 b are alternately arranged in opposite directions.

[0116] The battery case 17 has a pair of side surfaces opposed to eachother with the secondary batteries 18 interposed. The side surfaces ofthe battery case 17 extend along the longitudinal axis X1, and areprovided with laterally protruding projections 20 a and 20 b. Theprojections 20 a and 20 b serve as guides when the battery case 17 isinserted into the battery storage section 8. One of the projections,i.e. projection 20 a, is slidably engageable in the guide recess 12 inthe upright wall 10 a. The other projection 20 b is engageable with theguide rail 13 on the upright wall 10 b. Thus, the battery case 17 isheld in the battery storage section 8 by the engagement between theprojection 20 a and guide recess 12 and the engagement between theprojection 20 b and guide rail 13. When the battery case 17 is held inthe battery storage section 8, the bottom surface of the battery case 17is situated in the same plane as the bottom wall 5 a of the lowerhousing 5.

[0117] As is shown in FIG. 7, the insides of the projections 20 a and 20b are open to the inside of the battery case 17. The insides of theprojections 20 a and 20 b define terminal storage sections 21 a and 21 bextending in the direction of the longitudinal axis X1. The terminalstorage sections 21 a and 21 b face the positive terminals 18 a andnegative terminals 18 b of the secondary batteries 18. A plurality ofconnection terminals 22 are disposed in the terminal storage sections 21a and 21 b. The connection terminals 22 function to electrically connectthe positive terminal 18 a and negative terminal 18 b of two adjacentsecondary batteries 18. The secondary batteries 18 are connected inseries via the connection terminals 22. The secondary batteries 18 areconnected to a positive (+) electrode 23 and a negative (−) electrode24. These electrodes 23 and 24 are disposed on one end face of thebattery case 17 in the direction of the longitudinal axis X1. When thebattery case 17 is inserted in the battery storage section 8, theelectrodes 23 and 24 face the connector lead-out port 14.

[0118] As is shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, a recess portion 26 is formed ata corner defined by the right-hand upright wall 10 b and the ceilingwall 11 of the battery storage section 8. The recess portion 26 extendsin the depth direction of the lower housing 5. The recess portion 26 hasa projection 26 a protruding to the inside of the battery storagesection 8. The projection 26 a is engaged in a stepped portion 17 adefined by the right-hand side surface and right-hand projection 20 b ofthe battery case 17.

[0119] As is shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, a cover attachment portion 17 b isformed on an end face of the battery case 17, which is opposed to theend face thereof on which the electrodes 23 and 24 are disposed. Abattery cover 27 is detachably attached to the cover attachment portion17 b. When the battery pack 16 is completely inserted in the batterystorage section 8, the battery cover 27 is located on the front endportion of the lower housing 5. The battery cover 27 is slidable betweenan engaged position where it is engaged with the front end portion ofthe lower housing 5 and a disengaged position where it is disengagedfrom the front end portion of the lower housing 5. Thus, when thebattery cover 27 is slid to the engaged position, the battery pack 16 isheld in the battery storage section 8 in a locked manner. In the statein which the battery cover 27 is slid to the engaged position, thebattery cover 27 is continuous with the bottom wall 5 a and left-handside wall 5 b of the lower housing 5 and the insertion hole 9 of thebattery storage section 8 is hidden from the front.

[0120] As is shown in FIG. 8, a frame 30 is contained within the lowerhousing 5. The frame 30 is formed of a light-weight, heat-conductivemetallic material such as a magnesium alloy. The frame 30 has such asize that it is fitted in the lower housing 5. The frame 30 integrallycomprises a pack storage section 31 and a board support portion 32. Thepack storage section 31 is situated adjacent to the battery storagesection 8 in front half part of the frame 30. As is shown in FIGS. 8 and10, the pack storage section 31 includes a bottom wall 33, a pair ofside walls 34 a and 34 b continuous with the bottom wall 33, and a rearwall 35 continuous with the bottom wall 33 and side walls 34 a and 34 b.The pack storage section 31 has a box shape, opening upward and forwardof the lower housing 5.

[0121] The pack storage section 31 is divided into a first section 38and a second section 39 by means of a partition wall 37. The firstsection 38 and second section 39 are arranged in the width direction ofthe lower housing 5. The first section 38 is adjacent to the batterystorage section 8. The first and second sections 38 and 39 haveinsertion holes 40 and 41 opening to the front side, as shown in FIGS.10 and 23. The insertion holes 40 and 41 are located at the front end ofthe lower housing 5.

[0122] As is shown in FIGS. 8 and 22, the board support portion 32 ofthe frame 30 extends in the width direction of the lower housing 5 inrear of the battery storage section 8 and pack storage section 31. As isclear from FIG. 17, the board support portion 32 has a bottom wall 44and a support wall 45 continuous with the bottom wall 44. The bottomwall 44 is continuous with the bottom wall 33 of pack storage section31, and the support wall 45 is continuous with the rear wall 35 of packstorage section 31.

[0123] The frame 30, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 12, has a reinforcementwall 46 integrally. The reinforcement wall 46 comprises a first wallportion 47 extending horizontal and continuous with the left-hand sidewall 34 a of the pack storage section 31, and a second wall portion 48extending downward from a distal end of the first wall portion 47. Thefirst wall portion 47 is superposed on the ceiling wall 11 of thebattery storage section 8. The second wall portion 48 extends in thedepth direction of the lower housing 5 and a rear end portion thereof iscontinuous with the support wall 45 of the board support portion 32. Thesecond wall portion 48 is fitted between the upright wall 10 a of thebattery storage section 8 and the side wall 5 b of the lower housing 5.Thus, the reinforcement wall 46 surrounds the battery storage section 8within the lower housing 5.

[0124] As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the left-hand side wall 34 a of thepack storage section 31 is adjacent to the upright wall 10 b of thebattery storage section 8. An inwardly protruding projection 50 isformed at a corner portion defined by the side wall 34 a and the firstwall portion 47 of reinforcement wall 46. The projection 50 extends inthe depth direction of the lower housing 5. The projection 50 enters therecess portion 26 of the battery storage section 8. The projection 50has a groove-like wiring passage 51 opening to the upper surface of thefirst wall portion 47. The wiring passage 51 extends in the depthdirection of the lower housing 5, and a rear end portion thereof iscontinuous with the board support portion 32.

[0125] As is shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and 11, a battery hold section 53 isformed on the upper surface of the ceiling wall 11 of the batterystorage section 8. The battery hold section 53 is continuous with thewiring passage 51. An auxiliary battery 54 and a clock battery 55 areheld by the battery hold section 53. The auxiliary battery 54 and clockbattery 55 have lead lines 54 a and 55 a respectively. The lead lines 54a and 55 a are led to the board support portion 32 via the wiringpassage 51. An opening end portion of the wiring passage 51 is coveredwith a synthetic-resin insulating sheet 56. The insulating sheet 56 isattached on the upper surface of the first wall portion 47. The presenceof the insulating sheet 56 prevents the lead lines 54 a and 55 a frombeing removed from the wiring passage 51.

[0126] As is shown in FIGS. 14 and 17, a first circuit board 60 issupported at a lower end of the frame 30. The first circuit board 60 hassuch a size that it covers the bottom side of the pack storage section31 and board support portion 32. The first circuit board 60 is containedwithin the lower housing 5 in parallel to the bottom wall 5 a of thelower housing 5. A rear end portion of the first circuit board 60 isadjacent to the rear wall 5 d of the lower housing 5. As is shown inFIG. 13, the rear end portion of the first circuit board 60 is providedwith an RGB connector 62 for connection with an external CRT display 61;a COMMS connector 64 for connection with a peripheral device 63 ofRS-232C Standard; an extension connector 66 for connection with anextension station 65; a parallel connector 68 for connection with aprinter 67; and a power supply connector 70 for connection with a powersupply plug 69. The connectors 62, 64, 66, 68 and 70 are arrangedsubstantially linearly in the width direction of the lower housing 5.

[0127] A metallic shield plate 73 is provided on the rear end portion ofthe first circuit board 60. The shield plate 73 covers, from the rearside, the connection portion between the connectors 62, 64, 66, 68 and70 and the first circuit board 60. The connectors 62, 64, 66, 68 and 70are exposed to the rear wall 5 d of lower housing 5. A first connectorcover 74 and a second connector cover 75 are attached to the rear wall 5d. The first connector cover 74 is situated in a position correspondingto the RGB connector 62 and COMMS connector 64. The second connectorcover 75 is situated in a position corresponding to the parallelconnector 68. The first and second connector covers 74 and 75 are formedof a synthetic resin and have rectangular plate-like shapes. Theconnector covers 74 and 75 are supported on the lower housing 5 so as tobe rotatable between a closed position where they cover, from the rearside, the connectors 62, 64 and 68 and an open position where they turnrearward of the lower housing 5 and expose the connectors 62, 64 and 68.A third connector cover 76 is disposed between the first connector cover74 and second connector cover 75. The third connector cover 76 isassociated with the extension connector 66 and is openably supported onthe shield plate 73.

[0128] As is shown in FIGS. 13 to 16, the rear wall 5 d of lower housing5 is provided with a pair of rearwardly projecting stoppers 77 a and 77b. The stoppers 77 a and 77 b are disposed in positions corresponding tothe first and second connector covers 74 and 75 respectively. When thefirst and second connector covers 74 and 75 are rotated about 90° fromthe closed position to the open position, the stoppers 77 a and 77 babut upon the lower end portions of the connector covers 74 and 75,thereby limiting further rotation of the first and second connectorcovers 74 and 75.

[0129] Thus, when the first and second connector covers 74 and 75 arerotated to the open position and situated substantially horizontal, therotation thereof is stopped. For example, when the computer 1 is placedon the top plate of the desk, the first and second connector covers 74and 75 are not caught between the computer 1 and the top plate of thedesk, thus preventing breakage of the connector covers 74 and 75.

[0130] According to this structure, what is required is only to form thestoppers 77 a and 77 b integral with the rear wall 5 d of the lowerhousing 5, and there is no need to provide special parts for limitingthe rotation of the connector covers 74 and 75. The structure of thehousing body 2 is not complicated.

[0131] As is shown in FIGS. 8, 14 and 17, second to fourth circuitboards 81, 82 and 83 are screwed down to the board support portion 32 ofthe frame 30. The second circuit board 81 and third circuit board 82 aresituated behind the battery storage section 8 and the first section 38of the pack storage section 31. The second and third circuit boards 81and 82 are arranged above the first circuit board 60 substantially inparallel to the first circuit board 60. The second circuit board 81 isdisposed substantially in the same plane as the ceiling wall 11 ofbattery storage section 8 and the reinforcement wall 46 of frame 30. Thelead lines 54 a and 55 a passed through the wiring passage 51 areconnected to the second circuit board 81 via a connector 84.

[0132] As is shown in FIG. 17, the third circuit board 82 is a powersupply board and interposed between the second circuit board 81 and thebottom wall 44 of the frame 30. A power supply circuit component 85,which generates heat in operation, and a battery connector 86 aremounted on the bottom surface of the third circuit board 82. The batteryconnector 86 is exposed to the inside of the battery storage section 8via the connector lead-out port 14. The battery connector 86 is put incontact with the positive (+) electrode 23 and negative (−) electrode 24of the battery pack 16.

[0133] As is shown in FIG. 8, the fourth circuit board 83 is disposedbehind the second section 39 of the pack storage section 31. The fourthcircuit board 83 is situated above the first circuit board 60substantially in parallel to the first circuit board 60.

[0134] A TCP (Tape Carrier Package) 90 functioning as CPU is mounted onthe lower surface of the first circuit board 60, as shown in FIG. 17.The amount of heat generated by the TCP 90 in operation is very greatbecause of high-speed, large-capacity processing of the computer 1. Arectangular through-hole 91 is formed in the first circuit board 60 in aregion facing the TCP 90. A cold plate 92 for enhancing the heatradiation performance of the TCP 90 is attached to the first circuitboard 60. The cold plate 92 is formed of a copper alloy with high heatconductivity and is screwed down to the upper surface of the firstcircuit board 60. The cold plate 92 has a heat receiving portion 93fitted in the through-hole 91. The lower surface of the heat receivingportion 93 is located substantially in the same plane as the lowersurface of the first circuit board 60. The TCP 90 is attached to thelower surface of the heat receiving portion 93 by means of aheat-conductive adhesive.

[0135] A TCP cover 95 is attached to the lower surface of the firstcircuit board 60. The TCP cover 95 has a metallic cover panel 96 withexcellent heat conductivity. The cover panel 96 is put in contact withthe TCP 90 with a heat-conductive, elastic sheet 97 interposedtherebetween. If the TCP 90 generates heat, the heat of the TCP 90 isescaped to the cold plate 92 and TCP cover 95.

[0136] The cold plate 92 faces the bottom wall 44 of the board supportportion 32. A heat radiation plate 99 is attached to the bottom wall 44.The radiation plate 99 is formed of an aluminum alloy with excellentheat conductivity. The radiation plate 99 is in contact with the coldplate 92 without gap. The radiation plate 99 is put in contact with thebottom wall 44 with a heat-conductive, elastic sheet 100 interposed.Thus, the heat of the TCP 90 transmitted to the cold plate 92 is escapedto the radiation plate 99 and then diffused to the frame 30 via theradiation plate 99.

[0137] As is shown in FIG. 17, the radiation plate 99 integrallyincludes a fan support portion 101. The fan support portion 101 is arear extension of the radiation plate 99 traveling in a substantiallyinclined upward direction. The distal end portion of the fan supportportion 101 is located substantially on the same level as the thirdcircuit board 82. A motor fan 102 is attached to the fan support portion101. The motor fan 102 forcibly cools the radiation plate 99. The motorfan 102 has a fan casing 103 formed of an aluminum alloy. The fan casing103 is in contact with the fan support portion 101 and serves also asheat sink.

[0138] If the motor fan 102 is driven, the fan casing 103 and radiationplate 99 are forcibly cooled by air by means of the motor fan 102, andthe heat radiation of the radiation plate 99 is facilitated. As aresult, the heat of the TCP 90 transmitted to the cold plate 92 can beefficiently dissipated to the outside via the radiation plate 99. Sincethe radiation plate 99 is in contact with the metallic frame 30, theheat of the TCP 90 transmitted to the radiation plate 99 is dissipatedto the frame 30 and naturally radiated via the housing body 2. Thus, incombination with the forcible air-cooling function of the motor fan 102,the heat of the TCP 90 can be efficiently radiated.

[0139] As is shown in FIG. 17, a cooling air passage 105 is definedbetween the bottom wall 44 of board support portion 32 and the thirdcircuit board 82. The cooling air passage 105 extends from a centralregion toward a left-hand end of the board support portion 32. Theaforementioned power supply circuit component 85 is contained within thecooling air passage 105. The cooling air passage 105 has one end portioncommunicating with the installation portion of the motor fan 102 and theother end portion reaching the left-hand side wall 5 b of the lowerhousing 5. The side wall 5 b of the lower housing 5 has a plurality ofair holes 106, as shown in FIG. 16. The air holes 106 communicate withthe cooling air passage 105.

[0140] As is shown in FIG. 17, a plurality of cooling fins 107 areformed on the upper surface of the bottom wall 44 facing the cooling airpassage 105. The cooling fins 107 extend in the direction of extensionof the cooling air passage 105.

[0141] In the above structure, if the motor fan 102 is driven, thecooling air passage 105 is set at a negative pressure level and thus theair outside the housing body 2 is sucked into the cooling air passage105 via the air holes 106. The air flows as cooling wind through thecooling air passage 105, while forcibly cooling the power supply circuitcomponent 85. The cooling wind flows along the bottom wall 44 receivingheat of the radiation plate 99, thus facilitating the heat radiation ofthe bottom wall 44. In addition, since the bottom wall 44 has thecooling fins 107, the heat radiation area of the bottom wall 44increases and the heat of the TCP 90 transmitted from the radiationplate 99 is efficiently radiated.

[0142] As is shown in FIG. 18, an extension area 110 is provided withinthe housing body 2. The extension area 110 is located on the right-handpart of the board support portion 32. The extension area 110 is dividedinto a MODEM storage section 111 and a card storage section 112. TheMODEM storage section 111 and card storage section 112 are arranged suchthat they are stacked on each other in the thickness direction of thehousing body 2. The MODEM storage section 111 stores a MODEM pack (notshown) constructed as a module unit. The MODEM storage section 111 islocated above the fourth circuit board 83. The card storage section 112removably contains an extension card such as a PCMCIA (Personal ComputerMemory Card International Association) or an interface card. The cardstorage section 112 is located between the first circuit board 60 andthe fourth circuit board 83. The card storage section 112 has a cardconnector 113 for connection with the extension card and a card guide114 for guiding the extension card to the card connector 113. The cardconnector 113 and card guide 114 are mounted on the first circuit board60.

[0143] As is shown in FIG. 19B, an opening portion 118 communicatingwith the extension area 110 is formed in the right-hand side wall 5 c ofthe lower housing 5. The opening portion 118 includes a MODEM insertionport 118 a associated with the MODEM storage section 111 and a cardinsertion port 118 b associated with the card storage section 112. Thelower housing 5 is provided with a cover unit 119 of a synthetic resincovering the opening portion 118.

[0144] The cover unit 119 has a MODEM cover 120 and a card cover 121.The MODEM cover 120 has a rectangular plate-like shape with a sizecorresponding to the MODEM insertion port 118 a. The MODEM cover 120comprises a pair of stays 122 a and 122 b extending downward, and abracket portion 123 coupling lower end portions of the stays 122 a and122 b. The bracket portion 123 of MODEM cover 120 is supported on thebottom wall 5 a of lower housing 5.

[0145] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 19B, the bottom wall 5 a of lowerhousing 5, which faces the opening portion 118, is provided with a coverattachment portion 125 having a pair of boss portions 124 a and 124 b.The cover attachment portion 125 faces the card insertion portion 118 b.The bracket portion 123 of MODEM cover 120 is abutted upon the coverattachment portion 125. Screw holes 126 a and 126 b associated with theboss portions 124 a and 124 b are formed in the bracket portion 123.Screws 127 are inserted into the screw holes 126 a and 126 b. The screws127 are turned and driven into the boss portions 124 a and 124 b.Thereby, the MODEM cover 120 is fixed on the lower housing 5, and theMODEM insertion port 118 a is covered by the MODEM cover 120.

[0146] The card cover 121 has a rectangular plate-like shape with a sizecorresponding to the card insertion port 118 b. The card cover 121 issupported on the bracket portion 123 of the MODEM cover 120. The bracketportion 123 has a pair of cover support portions 130 a and 130 b whichare spaced apart from each other in the depth direction of the lowerhousing 5. The card cover 121 is rotatably supported between the coversupport portions 130 a and 130 b. Thus, the card cover 121 is rotatablysupported on the bracket portion 123 between a closed position where thecard cover 121 is turned up to be substantially flush with the side wall5 c, and an open position where the card cover 121 is turned down to theright side of the lower housing 5 to expose the card insertion port 118b. In the state in which the card cover 121 is rotated to the closedposition, the card cover 121 is continuous with the MODEM cover 120 andcovers the bracket portion 123 of MODEM cover 120 and screws 127 in thelateral direction.

[0147] According to the cover unit 119 having the above structure, sincethe card cover 121 is rotatably supported on the MODEM cover 120, thereis no need to provide the lower housing 5 with a support member forsupporting the card cover 121. Thus, the structure of the lower housing5 is simplified and the number of parts is reduced, as compared to thecase where the MODEM cover 120 and card cover 121 are individuallyattached to the lower housing 5.

[0148] Furthermore, the fixing portion of the MODEM cover 120 and lowerhousing 5 can be covered by using the card cover 121, and there is noneed to provide special parts for covering the bracket portion 123 orscrews 127.

[0149] As is shown in FIG. 20, an FDD connector 136 is mounted on thelower surface of the first circuit board 60. The FDD connector 136 isused for connection with an external floppy disk drive 135. The FDDconnector 136 is located in a lower region of the second section 39 ofpack storage section 31 and is adjacent to a corner portion defined bythe bottom wall 5 a and right-hand side wall 5 c of lower housing 5. Thelower housing 5 has a connector lead-out port 137 facing the FDDconnector 136. As shown in FIG. 21A, the connector lead-out port 137 isopen in a space from the bottom wall 5 a to side wall 5 c of the lowerhousing 5. A cover storage section 138 having a recess shape is formedin the bottom wall 5 a and side wall 5 c of the lower housing 5. Thecover storage section 138 is continuous with the front end of theconnector lead-out port 137.

[0150] The connector lead-out port 137 has a first opening edge portion140 and a second opening edge portion 141. The first opening edgeportion 140 extends in the depth direction of the lower housing 5 on thebottom wall 5 a. The second opening edge portion 141 extends in thedepth direction of the lower housing 5 on the side wall 5 c. A guidegroove 142 is formed in the side wall 5 c along the second opening edgeportion 141. The opening edge portions 140 and 141 and guide groove 142extend to the region of the cover storage section 138.

[0151] A connector cover 145 for opening/closing the connector lead-outport 137 is attached to the lower housing 5. The connector cover 145comprises a bottom plate portion 146 continuous with the bottom wall 5 aand a side plate portion 147 continuous with the side wall 5 c. Thebottom plate portion 146 has an engaging portion 148 slidably engagedwith the first opening edge portion 140. An inwardly projecting engagingportion 149 is formed on an upper end portion of the side plate portion147. The engaging portion 149 is slidably engaged with the guide groove142 in the side wall 5 c.

[0152] A plate-like cover holder 150 is fixed on the inner surface ofthe bottom wall 5 a, as shown in FIGS. 21A to 21C. The cover holder 150is disposed along the first opening edge portion 140 of the connectorlead-out port 137, and one side portion of the cover holder 150 projectsinside the connector lead-out port 137. A guide groove 152 is formed inthe lower surface of said one side portion of the cover holder 150. Theguide groove 152 extends along the first opening edge portion 140, andthe engaging portion 148 of the bottom plate portion 146 is slidablyengaged in the guide groove 152. By this engagement, the engagingportion 148 is irremovably held on the first opening edge portion 140and the connector cover 145 is not displaced to the laterial side.

[0153] The connector cover 145 is slidably held on the lower housing 5by guide means comprising engagement portions between the engagingportion 148 and guide groove 152 and between the engaging portion 149and guide groove 142. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 21B and 21C, the connectorcover 145 is slidable between a closed position where the connectorlead-out port 137 is closed and an open position where the connectorlead-out port 137 is opened. In the state in which the connector cover145 is slid to the opening position, the connector cover 145 is storedin the cover storage portion 138.

[0154] As is shown in FIGS. 21B and 21C, a pair of positioningprojections 153 a and 153 b are provided on one side portion of theguide groove 152. The positioning projections 153 a and 153 b are spacedapart from each other in the direction of sliding movement of theconnector cover 145. One of the position projections, i.e. projection153 a, is disposed in a position associated with the closed position ofthe connector cover 145, and the other positioning projection 153 b isdisposed in a position associated with the open position of theconnector cover 145. An engaging projection 154 is provided on one endportion of the engaging portion 148 of connector cover 145. The engagingprojection 154 is put in slidable contact with said one side portion ofthe guide groove 152.

[0155] When the connector cover 145 is slid from the open position tothe closed position, the engaging projection 154 moves beyond thepositioning projection 153 a just before the connector cover 145 reachesthe closed position. At this time, the operator feels a click.Similarly, when the connector cover 145 is slid from the closed positionto the open position, the engaging projection 154 moves beyond the theother positioning projection 153 b just before the connector cover 145reaches the open position. At this time, the operator feels a click.Accordingly, the operator can recognize that the connector cover 145 hasreached the closed position or open position, and the sliding operationof the connector cover 145 is ensured.

[0156] As is shown in FIGS. 8 and 22, a first relay connector 160 isdisposed in the first section 38 of the pack storage section 31. Thefirst relay connector 160 is located at the terminal end portion of thefirst section 38 and opposed to the insertion hole 40 of the firstsection 38. The terminal end portion of the first section 38 isconstituted by the rear wall 35 of the pack storage section 31. Aconnector attachment portion 161 is formed on the rear wall 35. Theconnector attachment portion 161 has a groove shape and is opened upwardof the pack storage section 31.

[0157] A second relay connector 164 is disposed in the second section 39of the pack storage section 31. The second relay connector 164 islocated at the terminal end portion of the second section 39 and opposedto the insertion hole 41 of the second section 39. The terminal endportion of the second section 39 is constituted by the rear wall 35 ofthe pack storage section 31. A connector attachment portion 165 isformed on the rear wall 35. The connector attachment portion 165 has agroove shape and is opened upward of the pack storage section 31.

[0158] The first relay connector 160 and second relay connector 164 aremounted on a flexible wiring board 170 with reinforcement plates 168 and169 interposed. A first stacking connector 172 is mounted on a middleportion of the wiring board 170 with use of a reinforcement plate 171.The wiring board 170 has an extension part 173 continuous with themounting portion of the first relay connector 160. A second stackingconnector 175 is mounted on a distal end portion of the extension part173 with use of a reinforcement plate 174. Thus, the first relayconnector 160, second relay connector 174, first stacking connector 172and second stacking connector 175 are integrated by the wiring board170.

[0159] The wiring board 170 is disposed on the upper surface of thebottom wall 33 of the pack storage section 31. The bottom wall 33 has anopening portion 177 facing the stacking connector 172. The stackingconnector 172 is connected to the first circuit board 60 via the openingportion 177.

[0160] As is shown in FIGS. 17 and 22, a first connector holder 180 of asynthetic resin is attached to the reinforcement plate 168 of firstrelay connector 160. The first connector holder 180, along with thereinforcement plate 168, is tightly fitted in the connector attachmentportion 161 from the above region of the frame 30. Thereby, the firstrelay connector 160 is held on the terminal end portion of the firstsection 38.

[0161] As is shown in FIGS. 22 and 30A, the second relay connector 164is mounted in the connector attachment portion 165 with use of a secondconnector holder 181 of a synthetic resin. Specifically, the secondconnector holder 181 is superposed on the reinforcement plate 169 and,in this state, tightly fitted into the connector attachment portion 165from the above region of the frame 30. Thereby, the second relayconnector 164 is held on the terminal end portion of the second section39.

[0162] The extension part 173 of the wiring board 170 is led to theupper region of the board support portion 32 from the terminal endportion of the first section 38, and the second stacking connector 175is connected to the second circuit board 81.

[0163] According to the above structure, the first and second relayconnectors 160 and 164 are held in the pack storage section 31 of frame30 by the tight-fitting method. There is no need to performtime-consuming works such as fixing the relay connectors 160 and 164 onthe first circuit board 60 by means of screws or soldering. Theassembling work of the computer 1 is improved.

[0164] As is shown in FIG. 23, one of a CD-ROM drive 190 and a floppydisk drive (FDD) 191 is detachably mounted, as a pack-type device, inthe first section 38 of pack storage section 31 in a selective manner.The CD-ROM drive 190 and FDD 191 are constructed as module packs havingindividual functions and have the same size.

[0165] The CD-ROM drive 190, as shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, comprises atray 192 for receiving an optical disk, and a metallic cabinet 193 forholding the tray 192 such that the tray 192 can be pulled out. Thecabinet 193 has a flat box-like shape. An interface connector 194 isdisposed on an end portion of the cabinet 193, which is located oppositeto the tray 192. The interface connector 194 is mounted on one endportion of a flexible wiring board 196 with a reinforcement plate 195interposed. The other end portion of the wiring board 196 is detachablyconnected to a control circuit unit provided inside the cabinet 193 viaa connector (not shown). The reinforcement plate 195 has first andsecond end portions projecting outward of the interface connector 194.The end portions of the reinforcement plate 195 have through-holes 197respectively.

[0166] A connector hold frame 198 formed of a metallic plate is attachedto the cabinet 193. The connector hold frame 198 integrally comprises apair of support stays 199 a and 199 b attached by screws on the sidefaces of the cabinet 193, and a hold plate 200 for coupling the supportstays 199 a and 199 b to each other. The hold plate 200 includes anopening portion 201, through which the interface connector 194 ispassed, a pair of through-holes 202 a and 202 b communicating with thethrough-holes 197 a and 197 b in the reinforcement plate 196, and a pairof engaging holes 203 a and 203 b located outside of the through-holes202 a and 202 b. The hold plate 200 is superposed on the reinforcementplate 195.

[0167] Referring to FIGS. 25 and 26, a connector holder 205 of asynthetic resin is interposed between the reinforcement plate 195 andcabinet 193. The connector holder 205 integrally comprises a flatsupport face 206 overlapping the reinforcement plate 195, and a pair offlat seat portions 207 a and 207 b continuous with the support face 206.A pair of nuts 209 are buried in the support face 206. The nuts 209 facethe through-holes 197 in the reinforcement plate 196. The seat portions207 a and 207 b have engaging projections 210 respectively. The engagingprojections 210 are engaged in the associated engaging holes 203 a and203 b in the hold plate 200, thereby positioning the connector holder205 and hold plate 200.

[0168] The hold plate 200 and connector holder 205 are covered by anouter cover 211 of a synthetic resin. The outer cover 211 has a panelportion 211 a overlapping the hold plate 200. The panel portion 211 ahas a connector lead-out port 212 for leading out the interfaceconnector 194, and a pair of screw holes 213 a and 213 b communicatingwith the through-holes 202 a and 202 b in the hold plate 200. Screws 215are inserted into the screw holes 213 a and 213 b. The screws 215 aredriven into the nuts 209 through the through-holes 202 a and 202 b andthe through-holes 197. Thereby, the connector holder 205 andreinforcement plate 195 are clamped between the hold plate 200 of theconnector hold frame 198 and the cabinet 193 and the interface connector194 is irremovably held on the cabinet 193.

[0169] As is shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the support stays 199 a and 199 bof connector hold frame 198 have engaging portions 216 a and 216 b. Theengaging portions 216 a and 216 b protrude laterally from side surfacesof the cabinet 193 at a draw-out-side end portion of the tray 192 ofcabinet 193.

[0170] The CD-ROM drive 190 is inserted into the first section 38through the front-end insertion hole 40 of the lower housing 5. Whilethe CD-ROM drive 190 is being inserted into the first section 38, theouter cover 211 and cabinet 193 are guided by the inner faces of thefirst section 38, thus aligning the interface connector 194 and firstrelay connector 160. In the state in which the interface connector 194is connected to the first relay connector 160, the front face of thetray 192 is located at the opening portion of the insertion hole 40 soas to be continuous with battery cover 27.

[0171] The FDD 191, as shown in FIGS. 23 and 27, comprises a flatbox-shaped floppy disk drive (FDD) body 220 having a floppy diskinsertion hole 219, and an outer cover 221 of a synthetic resin coveringthe FDD body 220. The outer cover 221 has substantially the same shapeand size as the cabinet 193 of the CD-ROM drive 190. The outer cover 221has a connector attachment portion 222 at an end portion thereof opposedto the floppy disk insertion hole 219. An interface connector 223 isdisposed on the connector attachment portion 222.

[0172] As is shown in FIG. 28, the outer cover 221 comprises an uppercover 225 and a lower cover 226. The connector attachment portion 222has an outer wall 227 extending downward from the upper cover 225 and aninner wall 228 extending upward from the lower cover 226. The outer wall227 and inner wall 228 face each other at a predetermined distancetherebetween, as shown in FIGS. 29A and 29B. The outer wall 227 andinner wall 228 have elongated notches 229 and 230 facing each other. Thenotches 229 and 230 define a connector lead-out port 231 in an end faceof the connector attachment portion 222.

[0173] As is shown in FIGS. 28 and 29B, the interface connector 223 ismounted on an elongated circuit board 233. The circuit board 233 isconnected to the internal control circuit section in the FDD body 220via a flexible wiring board 234. The circuit board 233 has first andsecond end portions projecting outward of the interface connector 223.The end portions of the circuit board 233 have through-holes 235 andengaging holes 236 respectively.

[0174] The first and second end portions of the circuit board 233 areclamped between the outer wall 227 and inner wall 228. Portions of theinner wall 228, which face the first and second end portions, have nuts238 and engaging projections 239 respectively. The nuts 238 are buriedin the inner wall 228 and face the through-holes 235 in the circuitboard 233. The engaging projections 239 are located near the nuts 238.The engaging projections 239 are fitted in the engaging holes 236 in thecircuit board 233, and thereby the circuit board 233 and lower cover 226are positioned. An engaging groove 240 opening to the connector lead-outport 231 is formed in the lower cover 226, and a lower edge portion ofthe circuit board 233 is fitted in the engaging groove 240.

[0175] As is shown in FIG. 28, a pair of screw holes 241 are formed inthe outer wall 227 of the upper cover 225. The screw holes 241communicate with the through-holes 235 in the circuit board 233. Screws242 are passed through the screw holes 241. The screws 242 are driveninto the nuts 238 through the through-holes 235 in the circuit board233, as shown in FIG. 29B. Thereby, the circuit board 233 are clampedbetween the outer wall 227 and inner wall 228 and the interfaceconnector 223 is irremovably held on the connector attachment portion222.

[0176] The lower cover 226 has a pair of engaging portions 243 a and 243b, as shown in FIG. 27. The engaging portions 243 a and 243 b protrudelaterally from side surfaces of the FDD body 220 at the floppy diskinsertion hole (219) side end portion of the body 220.

[0177] The floppy disk drive (FDD) 191 is inserted into the firstsection 38 through the front-end insertion hole 40 of the lower housing5. While the FDD 191 is being inserted into the first section 38, theouter cover 221 is guided by the inner faces of the first section 38,thus aligning the interface connector 223 and first relay connector 160.In the state in which the interface connector 223 is connected to thefirst relay connector 160, the floppy disk insertion hole 219 is locatedat the opening portion of the insertion hole 40.

[0178] As is shown in FIGS. 4 and 30A, a hard disk drive (HDD) 250 isremovably mounted in the second section 39 of the pack storage section31. The HDD 250 has a flat housing 251 containing a magnetic head, adisk-shaped magnetic recording medium, etc., though these are not shown.An HDD connector 252 is disposed at one end portion of the housing 251.The HDD 250 is inserted into the second section 39 from the insertionhole 41 in the front end portion of the lower housing 5. Thereby, theHDD connector 252 is connected to the second relay connector 164.

[0179] As is shown in FIGS. 3 and 30A, a front cover 255 of a syntheticresin is attached to the front end portion of the lower housing 5. Thefront cover 255 comprises a bottom wall portion 256, a front wallportion 257 continuous with the bottom wall portion 256, and a side wallportion 258 continuous with the bottom wall portion 256 and front wallportion 257. The bottom wall portion 256 and front wall portion 257extend in the width direction of the lower housing 5. The side wallportion 258 is located at the right-hand end portions of the bottom wallportion 256 and front wall portion 257.

[0180] As is shown in FIGS. 2 and 10, the bottom wall portion 256 offront cover 255 has three boss portions 260. The boss portions 260project from an edge of the bottom wall portion 256 and are arranged atintervals in the width direction of the lower housing 5. Three recessportions 261 are formed in a front end portion of the bottom wall 5 a ofthe lower housing 5. The recess portions 261 are arranged at intervalsin the width direction of the lower housing 5. The boss portions 260 areput in the recess portions 261. The boss portions 260 are rotatablycoupled to the recess portions 261 by means of pins 262 extending in thewidth direction of the lower housing 5.

[0181] Thus, the front cover 255 is supported on the lower housing 5rotatably between a first position where the front wall portion 257thereof faces the insertion holes 40 and 41 of the pack storage section31 and a second position where the front wall portion 257 is turned downin front of the insertion holes 40 and 41. When the front cover 255 isrotated to the first position, the bottom wall portion 256 is continuouswith the bottom wall 5 a of lower housing 5 and the side wall portion258 is continuous with the right-hand side wall 5 c of lower housing 5.

[0182] As is shown in FIG. 3, the front wall portion 257 of the frontcover 255 has a rectangular notched opening portion 263. The openingportion 263 extends in the width direction of lower housing 5. Theopening portion 263 has a size corresponding to the front face of eachof the CD-ROM drive 190 and FDD 191. Even in the state in which thefront cover 255 is rotated to the first position, the tray 192 of theCD-ROM drive 190 or the floppy disk insertion hole 219 of the FDD 191 isexposed to the front of the housing body 2 through the opening portion263.

[0183] As is shown in FIG. 10, gaps S extending in the width directionof the lower housing 5 are defined between the boss portions 260 offront cover 255 and the recess portions 261 of lower housing 5. Byvirtue of the gaps S, when the front cover 255 is rotated to the firstposition, the front cover 255 is supported on the lower housing 5slidably between a locked position where the side wall portion 258 iscontinuous with the right-hand side wall 5 c of lower housing 5 and anunlocked position where the side wall portion 258 is displaced to theright side from the side wall 5 c.

[0184] As is shown in FIGS. 9, 10 and 23, a first engaging projection265 a and a second engaging projection 265 b are formed on the innersurface of the front wall portion 257 of front cover 255. The first andsecond engaging projections 265 a and 265 b are spaced apart in thewidth direction of the lower housing 5 in a position adjacent to theopening edge of the opening portion 263. In addition, a third engagingprojection 265 c is formed on an edge portion of the side wall portion258.

[0185] When the front cover 255 is slid to the locked position, thefirst engaging projection 265 a is disengageably engaged with the frontend portion of the bottom wall 5 a, as shown in FIG. 34A. When the frontcover 255 is slid to the locked position, the second and third engagingprojections 265 b and 265 c advance to the front end portion of thepartition wall 37 of pack storage section 31 and the front end portionof the right-hand side wall 34 b, as shown in FIGS. 35A and 36A. Thefront end portions of the partition wall 37 and side wall 34 b haveengaging holes 266 a and 266 b in which the second and third engagingprojections 265 b and 265 c are disengageably engaged.

[0186] As is clear from FIG. 33A, if the front cover 255 is rotated tothe first position and then slid to the locked position, the first tothird engaging projections 265 a to 265 c engage the front edge portionof the bottom wall 5 a and engaging holes 266 a and 266 b. Thus, thefront cover 255 is held in the first position. When the front cover 255is held in the first position, the HDD 250 stored in the second section39 is covered by the front wall portion 257 of front cover 255.

[0187] As is shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, a first icon 270 is provided on thefront wall portion 257 of front cover 255. The first icon 270 has alight-transmissive icon board 271. The icon board 271 has a rectangularshape, extending in the width direction of the lower housing 5. The iconboard 271 is attached to the front face of the front wall portion 257 offront cover 255. Four display marks 272 relating to the power supply ofcomputer 1 are arranged linearly on the icon board 271.

[0188] As is shown in FIGS. 30A and 30B, the front wall portion 257 offront cover 255 has four holes 273 (only one shown) facing the displaymarks 272. These holes 273 are located near the front edge portion ofthe first circuit board 60. Four light emitting diodes (LEDs) 275 (onlyone shown) functioning as light source of the first icon 270 are mountedon the lower surface of the front edge portion of the first circuitboard 60. When the front cover 255 is held in the first position, theLEDs 275 face the bottom wall portion 256 of front cover 255. The LEDs275 radiate light downward of the first circuit board 60.

[0189] As is shown in FIGS. 3, 30B and 32, four optical waveguides 276are attached to the inner surface of the front cover 255. The opticalwaveguides 276 guide light from the LEDs 275 to the display marks 272and are formed of transparent synthetic resin material. Each of theoptical waveguides 276 comprises a first waveguide portion 277 extendingin the height direction of lower housing 5 along the front wall portion257 of front cover 255, and a second waveguide portion 278 extending inthe depth direction of lower housing 5 along the bottom wall portion 256of front cover 255. The first and second waveguide portions 277 and 278are formed as one piece.

[0190] A forwardly bent lens portion 279 is formed at an upper endportion of the first waveguide portion 277. A distal end portion of thelens portion 279 enters the hole 273 and comes into contact with therear face of the icon board 271. As is clear from FIG. 30B, a cornerportion defined by the first waveguide portion 277 and lens portion 279has a first light guide face 280 which is downwardly inclined as itextends rearward.

[0191] A rear end portion of the second waveguide portion 278 is locatedbelow the first circuit board 60. A light receiving portion 281 isformed on the rear end portion of second waveguide portion 278. Thelight receiving portion 281 has a flat light receiving surface 282opposed to the LED 275, and a second light guide face 283 opposed to thelight receiving surface 282. The second light guide face 283 isforwardly inclined as it extends away from the light receiving surface282. Accordingly, when light is made incident on the light receivingsurface 282 from the LED 275, the light is reflected by the second lightguide face 283 and then guided through the second waveguide portion 277.

[0192] A third light guide face 284 is formed on a corner portiondefined by the first and second waveguide portions 277 and 278. Thethird light guide face 284 is downwardly inclined as it extendsrearwards. The third light guide face 284 is located in front of thesecond light guide face 283. The third light guide face 284 reflects thelight, which has been guided from the second light guide face 283,upward to the first light guide face 280. Thus, as is indicated by thearrow in FIG. 30B, light radiated downward from the LED 275 is madeincident on the light receiving surface 282 of optical waveguide 276 andit is reflected successively by the second light guide face 283, thirdlight guide face 284, and first light guide face 280. The lightreflected by the first light guide face 280 reaches the lens portion279. Accordingly, the display mark 272 associated with the LED 275 whichis emitting light is lighted up to effect display relating to the powersupply.

[0193] As is shown in FIGS. 23 and 31, when the front cover 255 isrotated to the second position, the optical waveguide 276 is rotatedforwardly along with the front cover 255 and is exposed to the frontside of the lower housing 5. At this time, the light receiving portion281 of optical waveguide 276 moves downward away from the LED 275.

[0194] The first section 38 has a stopper 290, as shown in FIGS. 10, 23and 39, which is engaged with the CD-ROM drive 190 or floppy disk drive(FDD) 191. As is clear from FIGS. 37 and 41, the stopper 290 is disposedon a front end portion of the bottom wall 5 a of lower housing 5. Whenthe CD-ROM drive 190 or FDD 191 is mounted in the first section 38, thestopper 290 is located immediately in front of the engaging portion 216a or 243 a thereof.

[0195] As is shown in FIGS. 38A to 38C, the stopper 290 is supported onthe bottom wall 5 a so as to be vertically movable between a lockedposition where the stopper 290 projects into the first section 38 andengages the front face of the engaging portion 216 a or 243 a, and anunlocked position where the stopper is pulled down from the firstsection 38 and disengaged from the front face of the engaging portion216 a or 243 a. The stopper 290 is always urged by a spring 291 towardthe unlocked position.

[0196] As is shown in FIG. 37, the stopper 290 has a pressing surface292 exposed downward of the bottom wall 5 a of lower housing 5. When thefront cover 255 is rotated to the first position, the pressing surface292 is opposed to the bottom wall portion 256 of front cover 255. Thebottom wall portion 256 has a pressing projection 293. When the frontcover 255 is rotated from the second position to the first position, thepressing projection 293 contacts the pressing surface 292 of stopper 290and pushes up the stopper 290 from the unlocked position to the lockedposition. Accordingly, in the state in which the front cover 255 is heldin the first position, the stopper 290 engages the engaging portion 216a of CD-ROM drive 190 or the engaging portion 243 a of FDD 191, therebylocking the CD-ROM drive 190 or FDD 191 in the first section 38.

[0197] As is shown in FIGS. 37 and 38A to 38C, a slider 295 for pushingthe front cover 255 to the locked position is attached to the front endportion of the bottom wall 5 a of lower housing 5. The slider 295 issupported on the bottom wall 5 a slidably between a first position wherethe slider 295 adjoins the stopper 290 on the right side of the stopper290, and a second position where the slider 295 is located away from thestopper 290. The slider 295 is always urged to the first position by areturn spring 296, and a distal end portion thereof is always adjoins orcontacts the side face of the stopper 290.

[0198] The slider 295 has an inclined surface 297 at a lower portion ofits distal end portion facing the stopper 290. The inclined surface 297is gradually inclined upward as it extends towards the stopper 290. Whenthe front cover 255 is rotated to the first position, the inclinedsurface 297 contacts a corner portion of the pressing projection 293.The corner portion of pressing projection 293 has a beveled surface 298.The beveled surface 298 is inclined in the same direction as theinclined surface 297 of slider 295. The beveled surface 298 slidablycontacts the inclined surface 297.

[0199] When the front cover 255 is rotated from the second position tothe first position, as shown in FIG. 38B, the beveled surface 298 ofpressing projection 293 is put in contact with the inclined surface 297of the slider 295. Thereby, the slider 295 is slid from the firstposition to the second position against the urging force of the returnspring 296. When the front cover 255 has reached the first position, thefirst to third engaging projections 265 a to 265 c face the front endportion of the bottom wall 5 a and engaging holes 266 a and 266 b, andthe beveled surface 298 of pressing projection 293 passes over theinclined surface 297 of slider 295. Since the slider 295 is urged towardthe first position by the return spring 296, the urging force istransmitted to the front cover 255 via the pressing projection 293, andthe front cover 255 is forcibly slid from the unlocked position to thelocked position. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 34A, 35A and 36A, thefirst engaging projection 265 a engages the front end portion of thebottom wall 5 a, and the second and third engaging projections 265 b and265 c engage the engaging holes 266 a and 266 b in the frame 30. Thus,the front cover 255 is held in the first position.

[0200] As is shown in FIG. 23, an ejector 300 is disposed in theinsertion hole 40 of the first section 38. The ejector 300 is used todischarge the CD-ROM drive 190 or FDD 191 from the first section 38. Theejector 300 has a slider 301 and an operation lever 302, as shown inFIGS. 39 to 41. The slider 301 has a flat plate shape, extending in thewidth direction of the first section 38. The slider 301 is supported onthe bottom wall 33 of frame 30 by means of a pair of pins 303 and isslidable in the depth direction of the first section 38. The slider 301has a pair of upwardly extending pushing portions 304 a and 304 b. Whenthe CD-ROM drive 190 or FDD 191 is inserted into the first section 38,the pushing portions 304 a and 304 b face the rear faces of the engagingportions 216 a and 216 b of CD-ROM drive 190 or the engaging portions243 a and 243 b of FDD 191.

[0201] The operation lever 302 is supported on the upper surface of theslider 301 by means of a pair of pins 305 and is slidable in the depthdirection of the first section 38. A front end portion of the operationlever 302 projects forward of the slider 301. The front end portion ofthe operation lever 302 is provided with a downwardly bent finder hookportion 306. The finger hook portion 306 is located at the opening endof the insertion hole 40. In the state in which the front cover 255 isheld in the first position, the front side of the finger hook portion306 is covered by the front wall portion 257 of front cover 255.

[0202] Accordingly, if the front cover 255 is rotated to the secondposition, as shown in FIG. 40, the finger hook portion 306 of ejector300 is exposed to the insertion hole 40 of first section 38. If thefinger hook portion 306 is hooked by the finger and the operation lever302 is pulled out, the slider 301 is drawn out accordingly. The pushingportions 304 a and 304 b of slider 301 push the engaging portions 216 aand 216 b of CD-ROM drive 190 or the engaging portions 243 a and 243 bof FDD 191 towards the insertion hole 40. Thereby, the CD-ROM drive 190or FDD 191 is pushed out of the insertion hole 40, and the first relayconnector 160 is disconnected from the interface connector 194 or 223.

[0203] As is shown in FIGS. 30A and 44, the upper housing 6 of housingbody 2 covers the upper side of the frame 30. A keyboard support section310 is formed in a central region of the upper wall 6 a of upper housing6. The keyboard support section 310 comprises a rectangular recessextending over substantially the entire central region of the upper wall6 a. The keyboard support section 310, as shown in FIGS. 30A and 47, hasa peripheral wall 311 extending downward from the upper wall 6 a and abottom wall 311 a continuous with the lower end of the peripheral wall311. The bottom wall 311 a is formed at corner portions of the keyboardsupport section 310. Most part of the keyboard support section 310 isopen to the inside of the lower housing 5. A metallic shield plate 312is attached to the inner surface of the upper wall 6 a of upper housing6, as shown in FIG. 30A. The shield plate 312 covers the bottom side ofthe keyboard support section 310.

[0204] A keyboard 313 serving as information input means is removablyattached to the keyboard support section 310. The keyboard 313 comprisesa support panel 314 of a synthetic resin, a number of keys 315, and ajoystick 316 or a kind of pointing device. The support panel 314 has arectangular plate shape with such a size as to be fittable in thekeyboard support section 310. The keys 315 and joystick 316 are disposedon the upper surface of the support panel 314. The lower surface of thesupport panel 314 is covered by a metallic reinforcement plate 317.

[0205] The support panel 314 of keyboard 313 has a front edge portionand a rear edge portion both extending in the width direction of thehousing body 2. The front edge portion and rear edge portion of supportpanel 314 are detachably hooked on the peripheral wall 311 of keyboardsupport section 310. Thus, the keyboard 313 is supported on the keyboardsupport section 310. In the state in which the keyboard 313 is attachedto the keyboard support section 310, the reinforcement plate 317 is incontact with the shield plate 312. The contact between the reinforcementplate 317 and shield plate 312 prevents switching noise due to keyoperations from entering the inside of the housing body 2.

[0206] A front half portion of the upper wall 6 a of upper housing 6constitutes an armrest 320. Click switch buttons 321 a and 321 b forexecuting and canceling commands are disposed on a central portion ofthe armrest 320.

[0207] As is shown in FIGS. 44 to 46, a component attachment portion 323is formed integral with the rear part of the upper housing 6 continuouswith the keyboard support section 310. The component attachment portion323 has a plate shape, extending in the width direction of upper housing6. The width of the component attachment portion 323 is substantiallyequal to that of the upper housing 6. The component attachment portion323 is situated above the board support portion 32 of frame 30. Thefirst circuit board 81 and fourth circuit board 83 are located justbelow the component attachment portion 323. As is shown in FIGS. 17 and44, a notch 323 a formed at a rear end portion of the componentattachment portion 323. The notch 323 a is provided to avoid the motorfan 102. The motor fan 102 projects from the notch 323 a.

[0208] Referring to FIGS. 42, 43A and 43B, the display unit 3 issupported by the upper housing 6. The display unit 3 comprises a displayhousing 325 of a flat box shape, and a color liquid crystal display(LCD) 326 contained in the display housing 325. The display housing 325includes first and second leg portions 327 a and 327 b functioning assupport portions. The leg portions 327 a and 327 b, as shown in FIGS. 45and 46, are supported on the component attachment portion 323 by meansof first and second hinge metal fixings 328 and 329. The first andsecond hinge metal fixings 328 and 329 are spaced apart in the widthdirection of the component attachment portion 323. The first hinge metalfixing 328, as shown in FIGS. 42 and 43A, comprises a hinge shaft 330, afirst bracket 331 fixed to a first end portion of the hinge shaft 330,and a second bracket 332 rotatably coupled to a second end portion ofthe hinge shaft 330. The first end portion of the hinge shaft 330penetrates a left-hand side face of the first leg portion 327 a andenters the inside of the leg portion 327 a. The first bracket 331provided at the first end portion of the hinge shaft 330 is screwed downon the inner surface of leg portion 327 a. The second bracket 332provided at the second end portion of hinge shaft 330 is located at theleft-hand end portion of the component attachment portion 323.

[0209] The second bracket 332 has a support stay 333 as integralportion. The support stay 333 extends below the component attachmentportion 323 in the depth direction of the component attachment portion323. The component attachment portion 323 has a pair of downwardlyprojecting boss portions 334 a and 334 b. The boss portions 334 a and334 b face the support stay 333. The support stay 333 is fixed by meansof screws 335 to the boss portions 334 a and 334 b. Thus, the left-handend portion of the component attachment portion 323 is reinforced by thesupport stay 333.

[0210] As is shown in FIG. 48, the support stay 333 is placed on thesecond circuit board 81. The board support portion 32 of frame 30, whichsupports the second circuit board 81, has a first hinge receivingportion 336 for receiving the second circuit board 81 and support stay333. The first hinge receiving portion 336 faces the bottom wall 5 a oflower housing 5. The bottom wall 5 a has a pair of boss portions 337 aand 337 b for supporting the first hinge receiving portion 336. One ofthe boss portions, 337 a, is a hollow cylindrical shape opening to thebottom wall 5 a. A screw 338 is passed upward through the boss portion337 a. The screw 338 is passed through the first hinge receiving portion336 and second circuit board 81 and is driven in the support stay 333. Ascrew 339 is driven into the other boss portion 337 b from above thecomponent attachment portion 323. Specifically, the screw 339 is driveninto the boss portion 337 b through the component attachment portion323, support stay 333 and second circuit board 81. Thus, the componentattachment portion 323, first hinge receiving portion 336 of frame 30,support stay 333 and lower housing 5 are stacked and coupled integrally,and the first hinge metal fixing 328 is received by the rigid frame 30.

[0211] As is shown in FIGS. 42 and 43B, the second hinge metal fixing329 comprises a hinge shaft 340, a first bracket 341 fixed to a firstend portion of the hinge shaft 340, and a second bracket 342 rotatablycoupled to a second end portion of the hinge shaft 340. The first endportion of the hinge shaft 340 penetrates a right-hand side face of thesecond leg portion 327 b and enters the inside of the leg portion 327 b.The first bracket 341 provided at the first end portion of the hingeshaft 340 is screwed down on the inner surface of leg portion 327 b. Thesecond bracket 342 provided at the second end portion of hinge shaft 340is screwed down on the right-hand end portion of the componentattachment portion 323.

[0212] As is shown in FIG. 49, the second bracket 342 has a support stay343 as integral portion. The support stay 343 extends below theright-hand end portion of component attachment portion 323 towards thekeyboard support section 310. A distal end portion of the support stay343 is located below the right-hand end portion of the keyboard supportsection 310. A boss portion 344 is provided on the lower surface of thekeyboard support section 310. The boss portion 344 receives the distalend portion of support stay 343. The distal end portion of the supportstay 343 is fixed to the boss portion 344 by means of a screw 345. Thus,the right-hand end portion of the component attachment portion 323 andthe right-hand end portion of the keyboard support section 310 arereinforced by the support stay 343.

[0213] The support stay 343 is located at the right-hand end portion ofthe board support portion 32 of frame 30. The board support portion 32has a second hinge receiving portion 380 for receiving the support stay343. The second hinge receiving portion 380 faces the bottom wall 5 a oflower housing 5. The bottom wall 5 a has a pair of boss portions 381 aand 381 b for supporting the second hinge receiving portion 380. Each ofthe boss portions 381 a and 381 b has a hollow cylindrical shape,opening to the bottom wall 5 a of lower housing 5 near the cardinsertion hole 118 b. Screws 382 are inserted into the boss portions 381a and 381 b from below. The screws 382 are penetrated through the secondhinge receiving portion 380 and driven into the support stay 343.Accordingly, the second hinge metal fixing 329 is received by the rigidmetal frame 30.

[0214] Thus, the display unit 3 is supported on the housing body 2 so asto be rotatable about the hinge shafts 330 and 340 among a firstposition where the display unit 3 covers the upper housing 6 andkeyboard 313, a second position where the display unit 3 is erected inrear of the keyboard 313, and a third position where the display unit 3is turned down substantially horizontal towards the rear of the housingbody 2.

[0215] As is shown in FIGS. 42 to 47, the component attachment portion323 has first and second cover portions 346 a and 346 b. The coverportions 346 a and 346 b are disposed on the rear end portion of thecomponent attachment portion 323 at a distance from each other in thewidth direction of the upper housing 6. As is shown in FIGS. 45 and 47,the first cover portion 346 a is situated below the first leg portion327 a of display housing 325. A downwardly extending extension wall 347is integrally formed at a rear end portion of the first cover portion346 a. As is shown in FIG. 2, the extension wall 347 is continuous withthe second connector cover 75 of lower housing 5. The second coverportion 346 b is situated below the second leg portion 327 b of displayhousing 325. A downwardly extending extension wall 348 is integrallyformed at a rear end portion of the second cover portion 346 b. Theextension wall 348 is continuous with the first connector cover 74 oflower housing 5.

[0216] As is shown in FIGS. 44 to 47, first and second speakerattachment holes 350 a and 350 b and a dial attachment hole 351 areformed in the component attachment portion 323. The speaker attachmentholes 350 a and 350 b are located near the first and second coverportions 346 a and 346 b and are spaced apart in the width direction ofthe component attachment portion 323. As is shown in FIG. 44, thespeaker attachment holes 350 a and 350 b are arranged on both sides of acenter line C extending in the depth direction of the housing body 2through the center of the housing body 2 in the width direction. Thefirst speaker attachment hole 350 a is located on the left side of thecenter line C, and the second speaker attachment hole 350 b is locatedon the right side of the center line C. The distance L1 between thefirst speaker attachment hole 350 a and the center line C differs fromthe distance L2 between the second speaker attachment hole 350 b and thecenter line C. In this embodiment, L1 is greater than L2. The dialattachment hole 351 is located between the speaker attachment holes 350a and 350 b.

[0217] First and second speakers 353 a and 353 b are disposed asfunctional parts in the first and second speaker attachment holes 350 aand 350 b. As is clear from FIGS. 18 and 47, each of the speakers 353 aand 353 b has a disk-shaped speaker frame 354 for supporting a vibrationplate (not shown), and a cover 355 for covering the vibration plate. Anouter peripheral portion of the speaker frame 354 is detachably fittedin the speaker attachment hole 350 a (350 b) from the above side of thecomponent attachment portion 323. Thus, the first and second speakers353 a and 353 b are arranged asymmetrically with respect to the centerline C of the housing body 2. The first speaker 353 a located on theleft side is farther from the center line C than the second speaker 353b located on the right side.

[0218] The first and second speakers 353 a and 353 b have lead lines356, respectively. The lead lines 356 are led from the componentattachment portion 323 into the housing body 2 and are connected to thesecond circuit board 81 via connectors (not shown) respectively.

[0219] As is shown in FIGS. 18 and 52, the dial attachment hole 351faces the fourth circuit board 83. A rotary type volume switch 360 ismounted on the fourth circuit board 83. The volume switch 360 comprisesa switch body 360 b having a rotational shaft 360 a, and a volume dial361 coupled as functional element to the rotational shaft 360 a. Therotational shaft 360 a is erected in the thickness direction of thehousing body 2 on the fourth circuit board 83. The rotational shaft 360a has an end face opposed to the dial attachment hole 351. An engaginggroove 360 c is formed in the end face. The engaging groove 360 c has aT shape, as clearly shown in FIGS. 50 and 53, and includes a firstgroove portion 360 d extending in the radial direction of the rotationalshaft 360 a through the center of the rotational shaft 360 a, and asecond groove portion 360 e extending in a direction perpendicular tothe first groove portion 360 d. The first and second groove portions 360d and 360 e are open to the peripheral surface of the rotational shaft360 a.

[0220] The volume dial 361 comprises a disk-like body 361 a and a shaftportion 361 b continuous with the body 361 a. The body 361 a has agreater outside diameter than the dial attachment hole 351. A flangeportion 361 c is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the body 361a so as to project radially outward. The shaft portion 361 b has anengaging projection 361 d to be removably engaged in the engaging groove360 c. The engaging projection 361 d comprises a first projectionportion 361 e extending in the radial direction of the shaft portion 361b through the center of the shaft portion 361 b, and a second projectionportion 361 f extending in a direction perpendicular to the firstprojection portion 361 e. The first projection portion 361 e is engagedin the first groove portion 360 d, as shown in FIGS. 50 and 53. Thewidth W1 of the first projection portion 361 e is less than the width W2of the first groove portion 360 d. The second projection portion 361 fis engaged in the second groove portion 360 e. The width W3 of thesecond projection portion 361 f is less than the width W4 of the secondgroove portion 360 e. Accordingly, when the engaging projection 361 d isengaged in the engaging groove 360 c, a first gap 362 is created betweenthe first projection portion 361 e and the first groove portion 360 dand a second gap 363 is created between the second projection portion361 f and the second groove portion 360 e. The volume dial 361 is thusmovable relative to the rotational shaft 360 a in a range defined by thegaps 362 and 363. The volume dial 361 is situated on the componentattachment portion 323.

[0221] As is shown in FIG. 44, the component attachment portion 323 iscovered by a removable top cover 365 of a synthetic resin. The top cover365 has a panel 366 facing the component attachment portion 323. Thepanel 366 has a flat, rectangular plate shape extending in the widthdirection of the upper housing 6. The panel 366 integrally comprisesfirst and second hinge cover portions 367 a and 367 b and a centralcover portion 368. The cover portions 367 a, 367 b and 368 are locatedat the rear end of the panel 366.

[0222] The first and second hinge cover portions 367 a and 367 b coverthe hinge shafts 330 and 340 and second brackets 332 and 342 of thefirst and second hinge metal fixings 328 and 329. The hinge coverportions 367 a and 367 b are spaced apart in the width direction of thepanel 366 and are projected upward of the panel 366. As is shown inFIGS. 13, 48 and 49, the first and second hinge cover portions 367 a and367 b are fixed to the second brackets 332 and 342 of the first andsecond hinge metal fixings 328 and 329 by means of screws 364.

[0223] The central cover portion 368 covers a cable (not shown) forconnecting the housing body 2 and display unit 3, and covers the motorfan 102. The central cover portion 368 is located between the first andsecond hinge cover portions 367 a and 367 b. The central cover portion368 projects upward of the panel 366 and extends in the width directionof the panel 366. As is shown in FIG. 13, the central cover portion 368is fixed to the board support portion 32 of frame 30 by means of a screw364.

[0224] As is shown in FIG. 44, a first insertion hole 370 a is definedbetween the first hinge cover portion 367 a and the left-hand endportion of the central cover portion 368. A second insertion hole 370 bis defined between the second hinge cover portion 367 b and theright-hand end portion of the central cover portion 368. The firstinsertion hole 370 a is associated with the first leg portion 327 a ofdisplay unit 3. The first leg portion 327 a is guided into the firstinsertion hole 370 a. The first insertion hole 370 a faces the firstcover portion 346 a of component attachment portion 323. The first coverportion 346 a defines the bottom of the first insertion hole 370 a.

[0225] The second insertion hole 370 b is associated with the second legportion 327 b of display unit 3. The second leg portion 327 b is guidedinto the second insertion hole 370 b. The second insertion hole 370 bfaces the second cover portion 346 b of component attachment portion323. The second cover portion 346 b defines the bottom of the secondinsertion hole 370 b.

[0226] As is shown in FIGS. 2 and 17, the central cover portion 368 oftop cover 365 has a rear wall 371 exposed to the rear side of thehousing body 2. The rear wall 371 is continuous with the first to thirdconnector covers 74 to 76 of the lower housing 5. Air exhaust ports 372are formed in a central portion of the rear wall 371. The exhaust ports372 face the motor fan 102. A cool air wind, which has cooled the TCP90, is exhausted through the exhaust ports 372 to the outside of thehousing body 2.

[0227] As is shown in FIGS. 44, 47 and 48, the panel 366 has a frontedge portion continuous with the keyboard support section 310. The frontedge portion of panel 366 extends in the width direction of the panel366. This front edge portion is integrally provided with a downwardlyextending engaging wall 375. The engaging wall 375 is located betweenthe keyboard support section 310 and component attachment portion 323and placed on the peripheral wall 311 of keyboard support section 310. Alower end portion of the engaging wall 375 is engaged with a rear edgeportion of the support panel 314 of keyboard 313 and cooperates with thebottom wall 311 a of keyboard support section 310, thereby clamping thesupport panel 314. Thus, the keyboard 313 is held on the keyboardsupport section 310.

[0228] As is shown in FIGS. 18 and 47, the panel 366 of top cover 365includes first and second cover attachment portions 400 and 401 havingsound producing holes 377 a and 377 b. The cover attachment portions 400and 401 are spaced apart in the width direction of the panel 366. Theholes 377 a and 377 b of the cover attachment portions 400 and 401 facethe speakers 353 a and 353 b. First and second net-like speaker covers379 a and 379 b are attached to the cover attachment portions 400 and401. The speaker covers 379 a and 379 b cover the holes 377 a and 377 band first and second speakers 353 a and 353 b. The speaker covers 379 aand 379 b have rectangular plate shapes greater than the opening shapesof the holes 377 a and 377 b, and extend in the width direction of thetop cover 365. Accordingly, the speaker covers 379 a and 379 b cover notonly the holes 377 a and 377 b but also the cover attachment portions400 and 401 continuous with the holes 377 a and 377 b.

[0229]FIGS. 54A and 54B show the second speaker cover 379 brepresentatively. The speaker cover 379 b has one end provided with afirst engaging portion 393 a and the other end provided with a secondengaging portion 393 b. The first engaging portion 393 a extends inparallel to the speaker cover 379 b. The second engaging portion 393 bextends downward from the speaker cover 379 b. FIG. 54A shows the secondcover attachment portion 401 representatively. The cover attachmentportion 401 (400) has first and second engaging holes 401 a and 401 bspaced apart in the width direction of the panel 366. The hole 377 b islocated between the engaging holes 401 a and 401 b.

[0230] When the speaker cover 379 b (379 a) is attached to the coverattachment portion 401 (400), the first engaging portion 393 a of thespeaker cover 379 b (379 a) is inserted in the first engaging hole 401 afrom the upper side of the cover attachment portion 401 (400). Then, thesecond engaging portion 393 b is inserted in the second engaging hole401 b from the upper side of the cover attachment portion 401 (400) anda distal end portion of the second engaging portion 393 b is projecteddownward from the cover attachment portion 401 (400). The distal endportion of the second engaging portion 393 b is then bent along theshape of the cover attachment portion 401 (400), as shown in FIG. 54B,and the second engaging portion 393 b is hooked in the second engaginghole 401 b. Thereby, the speaker covers 379 a and 379 b are supported onthe panel 366, while covering the cover attachment portions 400 and 401.

[0231] As is shown in FIGS. 54A and 54B, a blind member 403 isinterposed between the cover attachment portion 401 (400) and thespeaker cover 379 b (379 a). The blind member 403 prevents the speaker353 b (353 a) from being viewed through the speaker cover 379 b (379 a).The blind member 403 is formed of black felt in a rectangular shape witha size corresponding to the speaker cover 379 b (379 a). The blindmember 403 is attached to the cover attachment portion 401 (400) bymeans of a double-sided adhesive tape 404.

[0232] As is shown in FIG. 1, the first and second speaker covers 379 aand 379 b are arranged on both sides of the center line C of the housingbody 2. A distance L3 between the first speaker cover 379 a and thecenter line C is equal to a distance L4 between the second speaker cover379 b and the center line C. The first and second speaker covers 379 aand 379 b are arranged symmetrical with respect to the center line C. Asa result, although the first and second speakers 353 a and 353 b areactually arranged asymmetrical with respect to the center line C of thehousing body 2, as described above, the first and second speakers 353 aand 353 b may be apparently viewed as being symmetrical with respect tothe center line C.

[0233] The panel 366 of top cover 365, as shown in FIG. 44, has acircular dial lead-out hole 378. The dial lead-out hole 378 is locatedbetween the first and second cover attachment portions 400 and 401. Asis shown in FIGS. 18 and 52, the dial lead-out hole 378 faces the dialattachment hole 351 in the component attachment portion 323. The diallead-out hole 378 has a greater diameter greater than the body 361 a ofvolume dial 361. Thus, the body 361 a of volume dial 361 is exposedupward of the housing body 2 through the dial lead-out hole 378 so thatthe volume dial 361 may be operated by the fingertip. An annular gap 405is provided between the body 361 a and the opening edge portion of thedial lead-out hole 378.

[0234] The diameter of the flange portion 361 c of volume dial 361 isgreater than that of the dial lead-out hole 378. The flange portion 361c cover, from the inside of the top cover 365, the gap 405 between thebody 361 a and dial lead-out hole 378. The panel 366 of top cover 365and the flange portion 361 c overlap each other. The panel 366cooperates with the component attachment portion 323 to clamp the flangeportion 361 c. Thereby, the volume switch 360 is prevented from beingpulled out of the switch body 360 b. As is shown in FIG. 52, the panel366 of top cover 365 has a guide wall 406. The guide wall 406 has anannular shape and is coaxial with the dial lead-out hole 378. The guidewall 406 surrounds the flange portion 361 c of volume dial 361. Thus,the guide wall 406 positions the volume dial 361 in its radial directionand rotational direction.

[0235] The volume dial 361 and the rotational shaft 360 a of switch body360 b are coupled so as to be movable in the radial direction of therotational shaft 360 a, as described above. Thus, an alignment errorbetween the volume dial 361 and rotational shaft 360 a can be canceledby a coupling portion between the volume dial 361 and rotational shaft360 a. When the volume dial 361 is held by using the top cover 365, evenif the dial lead-out hole 378 and switch body 360 b are displacedrelative to each other, no damaging force acts on the attachment portionof the switch body 360 b on the fourth circuit board 83. Thus,destruction of the switch body 360 b can be prevented.

[0236] As is shown in FIGS. 17 and 44, the panel 366 of top cover 365has an icon attachment portion 384. The icon attachment portion 384 isformed of a rectangular recess extending in the width direction of thetop cover 365. A second icon 385 is disposed in the icon attachmentportion 384. The second icon 385 has a light-transmissive icon board 386of a synthetic resin. The icon board 386 is adhered to the iconattachment portion 384. Three display marks 387 are linearly arranged onthe icon board 386. The display marks 387 indicate the key controlcontent by means of the keyboard 313.

[0237] The icon attachment portion 384 has through-holes 388 (only oneshown) at positions associated with the display marks 387. Thethrough-holes 388 face the component attachment portion 323 of upperhousing 6. A light guide member 390 is supported on the componentattachment portion 323. The light guide member 390 is formed of atransparent synthetic resin material and comprises three light guideportions 391 (only one shown) associated with the display marks 387.Each of the light guide portions 391 has a columnar shape. Each lightguide portion 391 has an upper end portion engaged in the through-hole388 and a lower end portion facing the second circuit board 81 locatedbelow the component attachment portion 323.

[0238] As is shown in FIGS. 8 and 17, three light emitting diodes (LEDs)392 are mounted on the second circuit board 81. The LEDs 392 serve aslight source for the second icon 385 and face the lower end portions ofthe light guide portions 391. Light radiated from the LEDs 392 is guidedto the display marks 387 through the light guide portions 391, asindicated by an arrow in FIG. 17. Thus, the display mark 387 associatedwith the turned-on LED 392 is lighted to display the key control contentby means of the keyboard 313.

[0239] In the state in which the display unit 3 is rotated to the thirdposition, as shown in FIG. 44, the top cover 365 is put on the componentattachment portion 323 of upper housing 6 from the upper side of thehousing body 2. At this time, the first and second leg portions 327 aand 327 b of display unit 3 enter the first and second insertion holes370 a and 370 b in the top cover 365, thereby covering the componentattachment portion 323 of upper housing 6 and first and second hingemetal fixings 328 and 329. At the same time, the engaging wall 375formed at the front end of the panel 366 enters the rear end region ofthe keyboard support section 310 and holds the rear end portion of thesupport panel 314 of keyboard 313. The top cover 165 is coupled to theboard support portion 32 of frame 30 and the second brackets 332 and 342of first and second hinge metal fixings 328 and 329 by means of thescrews 364. Thus, the top cover 165 is held on the housing body 2 whilecovering the component attachment portion 322.

[0240] A description will now be given of the procedure for replacingthe CD-ROM drive 190 with the floppy disk drive (FDD) 191, in the casewhere the CD-ROM drive 190 is mounted in the first section 38 of packstorage section 31 in the computer 1 having the above structure.

[0241] At first, as shown in FIG. 33B, the front cover 255 of housingbody 2 is slid from the locked position to the unlocked position, andthe first to third engaging projections 265 a to 265 c are disengagedfrom the bottom wall 5 a of lower housing 5 and the engaging holes 266 aand 266 b in the frame 30.

[0242] Subsequently, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 10, the front cover 255 isrotated downward from the first position to the second position.Thereby, the insertion holes 40 and 41 of the pack storage section 31are opened to the front side of the housing body 2, and the ejector 300is exposed to the opening portion of insertion hole 40 of first section38, as shown in FIG. 40. If the front cover 255 is rotated from thefirst position to the second position, the pressing projection 293 offront cover 255 is disengaged from the pressing surface 292 of thestopper 290, as shown in FIG. 38A. Thus, the raising of the stopper 290is released and the stopper 290 is forcibly lowered to the unlockedposition by the urging force of the return spring 291. The stopper 290is pulled out of the first section 38 and disengaged from the engagingportion 216 a of CD-ROM drive 190. Accordingly, the stopper 290 releasesthe CD-ROM drive 190.

[0243] The operation lever 302 of ejector 300 exposed to the insertionhole 40 is then pulled out, as shown in FIG. 40. In accordance with themovement of the operation lever 302, the slider 301 is drawn out and thepushing portions 304 a and 304 b of slider 301 push the engagingportions 216 a and 216 b of CD-ROM drive 190 toward the insertion hole40. Consequently, the CD-ROM drive 190 is pushed out of the insertionhole 40 and the interface connector 194 is disconnected from the firstrelay connector 160. At last, the front end portion of the CD-ROM drive190, which is projected from the insertion hole 40, is held by thefingertip and the CD-ROM drive 190 is pulled out of the first section38.

[0244] After the CD-ROM drive 190 has been drawn out of the firstsection 38, the FDD 191 is inserted into the insertion hole 40 of firstsection 38 and the interface connector 223 of FDD 191 is connected tothe first relay connector 160.

[0245] Then, the front cover 255 is rotated upward from the secondposition to the first position. The pressing projection 293 of frontcover 255 contacts the pressing surface 292 of stopper 290 from below,as shown in FIG. 38B. The pressing projection 293 then pushes up thestopper 290 from the unlocked position to the locked position againstthe urging force of the return spring 291. As a result, the stopper 290advances into the first section 38 and engages the engaging portion 243a of FDD 191.

[0246] When the pressing projection 293 of front cover 255 has contactedthe stopper 290, the beveled surface 298 of the pressing projection 293is simultaneously put in slidable contact with the inclined surface 297of slider 295. Thereby, the slider 295 is forcibly slid from the firstposition to the second position against the urging force of the returnspring 296. When the front cover 255 has reached the first position, thebeveled surface 298 of pressing projection 293 has passed over theinclined surface 297 of slider 295 and comes into contact with the frontend face of slider 295. Since the slider 295 is constantly urged to thefirst position by the return spring 296, the urging force of returnspring 296 is transmitted to the front cover 255 via the pressingprojection 293 and the front cover 255 is forcibly slid from theunlocked position to the locked position. By this sliding movement, thefirst engaging projection 265 a is engaged with the front edge portionof the bottom wall 5 a and the second and third engaging projections 265b and 265 c are engaged in the engaging holes 266 a and 266 b in theframe 30. Thus, the front cover 255 is held in the first position. As aresult, the front wall portion 257 of front cover 255 covers the harddisk drive (HDD) 250 contained in the second section 39. In addition,the opening portion 263 of front cover 255 faces the front side of theFDD 191. The floppy disk insertion hole 219 is exposed to the front sideof the housing body 2 through the opening portion 263.

[0247] According to the computer 1 with the above structure, the CD-ROMdrive 190 or FDD 191 is locked in and unlocked from the first section 38in interlock with the rotational operation of the front cover 255. Thereis no need to perform a special operation for locking and unlocking theCD-ROM drive 190 or FDD 91. Thus, the CD-ROM drive 190 or FDD 191 can beeasily replaced.

[0248] In order to rotate the front cover 255 from the first position tothe second position, it is necessary to slide, in advance, the frontcover 255 from the locked position to the unlocked position. Thus, thefront cover 255 is opened by the two-stage operation, and the frontcover 255 is prevented from being opened carelessly. Although the CD-ROMdrive 190 or FDD 191 is locked and unlocked by using the front cover255, the CD-ROM drive 190 or FDD 191 is prevented from being removedfrom the first section 38.

[0249] When the front cover 255 is rotated from the second position tothe first position, the front cover 255 is automatically slid to thelocked position by the slider 295. Accordingly, when the front cover 255is closed, it should suffice to rotate the front cover 255. Theoperation of closing the front cover 255 is thus simplified.

[0250] According to the above structure, the ejector 300 for pushing outthe CD-ROM drive 190 or FDD 191 from the first section 38 is not exposedto the insertion hole 40 of the first section 38 until the front cover255 has been rotated to the second position. As long as the front cover255 is closed, the ejector 300 cannot be operated. An intentionaloperation to rotate the front cover 255 to the second position isrequired to pull out the CD-ROM drive 190 or FDD 191 from the firstsection 38, and an erroneous operation of the ejector 300 can beprevented.

[0251] As has been described above, when the front cover 255 is rotatedto the second position and the ejector 300 is exposed to the insertionhole 40, the stopper 290 has already released the locking of the CD-ROMdrive 190 or FDD 191. Thus, the CD-ROM drive 190 or FDD 191 can easilybe pushed out of the first section 38 by operating the ejector 300. Inaddition, when the ejector 300 is operated, the stopper 290 has alreadybeen disengaged from the engaging portion 216 a of CD-ROM drive 190 orthe engaging portion 243 a of FDD 191. Accordingly, the stopper 290 doesnot interfere with the engaging portion 216 a or 243 a. No damagingforce acts on the stopper 290, and destruction of the stopper 290 isprevented.

[0252] In the computer 1 having the above structure, the componentattachment portion 323 extending in the width direction of upper housing6 is formed at the rear portion of the upper housing 6. The first andsecond speakers 353 a and 353 b and the volume dial 361 of volume switch360, which are replaced with relatively high frequency, are supported onthe component attachment portion 323. The component attachment portion323 is covered by the removable top cover 365.

[0253] If a need arises to replace at least one of the first and secondspeakers 353 a and 353 b, the screws 364 are loosened to unfix the topcover 365. The display unit 3 is then rotated to the third position, andthe housing 325 of display unit 3 is turned to the rear side. In thisstate, the top cover 365 is pulled up and removed from the componentattachment portion 323. Thereby, the component attachment portion 323 iswidely opened to the upper side of the housing body 2, and the first andsecond speakers 353 a and 353 b as well as volume dial 361 are exposedto the outside of the housing body 2.

[0254] As has been described above, when at least one of the first andsecond speakers 353 a and 353 b is replaced, it suffices to remove thetop cover 365. There is no need to separate the upper housing 6 from thelower housing 5. Thus, a time-consuming work such as disassembling thehousing body 2 is not required. The work for replacing the speakers 353a and 353 b is simplified.

[0255] If the top cover 365 is removed from the component attachmentportion 323, the flange portion 361 c of volume dial 361 is openedupward. The volume dial 361 can thus be pulled off upward from the shaftportion 360 a of volume switch 360. Thus, the work for maintaining theswitch body 360 b can be easily performed.

[0256] The top cover 365 has the engaging wall 375 which cooperates withthe bottom wall 311 a of keyboard support section 310 in clamping thesupport panel 314 of keyboard 313, the keyboard 313 can be held by usingthe top cover 365. Accordingly, there is no need to provide a specialmember for holding the keyboard 313, and the number of parts of thecomputer 1 can be reduced. Moreover, if the top cover 365 is removed,the keyboard 313 is released. Thus, the keyboard 313 can be removed fromthe keyboard support section 310. Therefore, it is possible to easilyperform not only the work for replacing the first and second speakers353 a and 353 b, but also the work for replacing or maintaining thekeyboard 313.

[0257] The component attachment portion 323 of upper housing 6 has firstand second cover portions 346 a and 346 b for covering the leg portions327 a and 327 b of display unit 3 from below. In the state in which thecomponent attachment portion 323 is covered by the top cover 365, thefirst and second hinge metal fixings 328 and 329 can be covered by thefirst and second cover portions 346 a and 346 b and the hinge coverportions 367 a and 367 b of top cover 365. Thus, there is no need toprovide an exclusive-use cover for covering the first and second hingemetal fixings 328 and 329 or a structure for supporting such anexclusive-use cover. Therefore, the structure of the housing body 2 canbe simplified. Furthermore, since the first and second cover portions346 a and 346 b are formed integral with the component attachmentportion 323, the first and second cover portions 346 a and 346 b can beexactly positioned in relation to the first and second leg portions 327a and 327 b and the top cover 365, and the external appearance of thehousing body 2 is improved.

[0258] Besides, according to the above structure, the display unit 3 issupported on the upper housing 6 by means of the first and second hingemetal fixings 328 and 329. Thus, the display unit 3 along with the upperhousing 6 can be removed from the lower housing 5. The housing body 2can be disassembled, simultaneously with the removal of the display unit3. The works for replacing and maintaining the display unit 3 arefacilitated.

[0259] In the above embodiment, the component attachment portion issituated behind the keyboard. However, in the present invention, thecomponent attachment portion may be situated in front of the keyboard,and the top cover covering the component attachment portion may be usedas armrest.

[0260] Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur tothose skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broaderaspects is not limited to the specific details, and representativedevices shown and described herein. Accordingly, various modificationsmay be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the generalinventive concept as defined by the appended claims and theirequivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable apparatus comprising: a box-shapedhousing body including a lower housing and an upper housing coupled tosaid lower housing, said upper housing including a component attachmentportion opened upward; a functional component removably supported onsaid component attachment portion of said upper housing; and a top coverremovably supported on said housing body, said top cover covering thecomponent attachment portion and the functional component supported onsaid component attachment portion.
 2. The portable apparatus accordingto claim 1 , wherein said component attachment portion extends in thewidth direction of the housing body, and the length of the componentattachment portion in the width direction is equal to the length of thehousing body in the width direction.
 3. The portable apparatus accordingto claim 1 , wherein said top cover has a panel facing said componentattachment portion, and said panel cooperates with said componentattachment portion in clamping and holding said functional component. 4.The portable apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein said functionalcomponent is a switch including a rotatable shaft and a disk-shapedoperation dial removably coupled to said rotatable shaft, said operationdial of the switch includes an outer peripheral surface having arelatively-large-diameter flange portion, and said panel of the topcover includes a circular through-hole through which the operation dialis passed and a guide wall situated around said through-hole andsurrounding the flange portion.
 5. The portable apparatus according toclaim 1 , further comprising a keyboard support section formed in saidupper housing and being continuous with said component attachmentportion, and a keyboard supported on said keyboard support section. 6.The portable apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein said keyboardcomprises a number of keys and a support panel for supporting said keys,said keyboard support section includes a bottom wall for supporting saidsupport panel and a peripheral wall surrounding the support panel, andsaid top cover includes a wall to be interposed between said keyboardsupport section and said component attachment portion when said topcover is attached to the housing body, said wall cooperating with thebottom wall of the keyboard support section in clamping the supportpanel and holding the keyboard in the keyboard support section.
 7. Aportable apparatus comprising: a box-shaped housing body including alower housing having a bottom wall and a rear wall continuous with thebottom wall, and an upper housing coupled to the lower housing, saidupper housing including a component attachment portion opened upward; afunctional component removably supported on said component attachmentportion of said housing body; a display unit having a support portionextending toward the component attachment portion of said housing body;hinge means for rotatably supporting the display unit on said housingbody, said hinge means being situated adjacent to said componentattachment portion; and a top cover removably attached to said housingbody, said top cover covering the component attachment portion and thefunctional component supported on said component attachment portion,wherein said component attachment portion of the housing body includes acover portion covering the support portion of the display unit frombelow, and being continuous with the rear wall of the lower housing, andsaid top cover includes a hinge cover portion covering the hinge means,said hinge cover portion being continuous with said cover portion whensaid top cover is attached to said housing body.
 8. The portableapparatus according to claim 7 , wherein said component attachmentportion extends in the width direction of the housing body, and thelength of the component attachment portion in the width direction isequal to the length of the housing body in the width direction.
 9. Theportable apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein said top cover has apanel facing said component attachment portion, and said panelcooperates with said component attachment portion in clamping andholding said functional component.
 10. The portable apparatus accordingto claim 8 , wherein said hinge means includes a first hinge metalfixing and a second hinge metal fixing, said first and second hingemetal fixings are spaced apart in the width direction of the componentattachment portion, and said functional component is situated betweenthe first and second hinge metal fixings.
 11. The portable apparatusaccording to claim 10 , wherein said housing body including thecomponent attachment portion is formed of a synthetic resin, each ofsaid first and second hinge metal fixings includes a metallic bracketextending in the depth direction of the housing body, said bracket ofthe first hinge metal fixing is fixed to the component attachmentportion, and said bracket of the second hinge metal fixing is fixed tothe upper housing.
 12. The portable apparatus according to claim 11 ,further comprising a metallic frame contained within said housing body,and a circuit board supported on said frame, said circuit board facingsaid component attachment portion, and said functional component beingelectrically connected to said circuit board.
 13. The portable apparatusaccording to claim 12 , wherein said frame includes a first receivingportion for receiving the bracket of said first hinge metal fixing and asecond receiving portion for receiving the bracket of said second hingemetal fixing, said first and second receiving portions are fixed to thebracket by screws.
 14. The portable apparatus according to claim 8 ,further comprising a keyboard support section formed in said upperhousing, said keyboard support section being continuous with saidcomponent attachment portion in front of said component attachmentportion, and a keyboard supported on said keyboard support section. 15.The portable apparatus according to claim 14 , wherein said keyboardcomprises a number of keys and a support panel for supporting said keys,said keyboard support section includes a bottom wall for supporting saidsupport panel and a peripheral wall surrounding the support panel, andsaid top cover includes a wall to be interposed between said keyboardsupport section and said component attachment portion when said topcover is attached to the housing body, said wall cooperating with thebottom wall of the keyboard support section in clamping the supportpanel and holding the keyboard in the keyboard support section.
 16. Theportable apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein said functionalcomponent is a speaker, and said panel of the top cover has a coverattachment portion having a hole facing said speaker, a net-like speakercover attached to the cover attachment portion and covering said hole,and a blind member formed of felt and interposed between said speakercover and said cover attachment portion, said blind member beingattached to the cover attachment portion.
 17. The portable apparatusaccording to claim 12 , wherein said functional component is a switchincluding a shaft rotatably supported on said circuit board and adisk-shaped operation dial removably coupled to said shaft, saidoperation dial of the switch includes an outer peripheral surface havinga relatively-large-diameter flange portion, and said panel of the topcover includes a circular through-hole through which the operation dialis passed and a guide wall situated around said through-hole andsurrounding the flange portion, said shaft and said operation dial beingcoupled movably in the radial direction of said shaft.
 18. A portableapparatus comprising: a box-shaped housing body having an upper wall,said upper wall of the housing body having a component attachmentportion opened upward; first and second speakers removably supported onsaid component attachment portion of the housing body, said speakersbeing arranged on both sides of a center line extending in the depthdirection of the housing body through the center of the housing body inthe width direction, and a distance between said first speaker and saidcenter line being different from a distance between said second speakerand said center line; and a top cover removably supported on saidhousing body, said top cover covering the component attachment portionand the first and second speakers; wherein said top cover includes apanel having a pair of holes facing said first and second speakers, andfirst and second speaker covers attached to the panel and covering saidholes, each of said first and second speaker covers having a shapegreater than an opening shape of each of said holes and extending in thewidth direction of said housing body, and a distance between said firstspeaker cover and said center line being equal to a distance betweensaid second speaker cover and said center line.
 19. The portableapparatus according to claim 18 , further comprising: a blind memberinterposed between said panel and each of said speaker covers, saidblind member being formed of felt and attached to said panel.
 20. Aportable apparatus comprising: a box-shaped housing body including alower housing and an upper housing coupled to said lower housing, saidupper housing including a component attachment portion opened upward anda keyboard attachment portion; a keyboard mounted on said keyboardattachment portion; a functional component removably supported on saidcomponent attachment portion; and a top cover removably supported onsaid housing body, said top cover covering the component attachmentportion and the functional component supported on said componentattachment portion.